Executive Director 

Referenzcode: 1041 

Arbeitsort: Hamburg  

Bewerbungsfrist: 30.08.2026

The Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), a scientific organizational entity of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, invites applications for the “Executive Director” of the Global Coordination Hub for Future Earth, starting as soon as possible. The position is limited to 5 years and the place of employment is Hamburg.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. In principle, the full time position (39 h/week) is also sharable.

GERICS develops science-based prototype products and services in support to government, administration and business in their efforts to adapt to climate change. It builds up a national and international network structure in order to integrate existing competences and knowledge, and to link various actors within the complex area of climate change.

The Global Coordination Hub is jointly hosted by GERICS and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University (ASU) as part of a shared hosting cooperation agreement - and is seeking an Executive Director to lead the coordination of Future Earth’s globally distributed Secretariat (currently consisting of nine Global Hubs).

Future Earth is a global network advancing research to support transformations toward global sustainability. Its vision is a sustainable and equitable world for all, where societal decisions are informed by openly accessible and shared knowledge.

Ihre Aufgaben

• lead the strategic and scientific development of the Future Earth network overseen by the Governing Council, the decision-making body of Future Earth
• lead and develop the Global Coordination Hub at GERICS/Hereon and GFL/ASU
• coordinate the globally distributed Secretariat of Future Earth (9 Global hubs in different parts of the world) and operationally lead the Global Coordination Hub
• coordinate collaboration with Global Research Networks and National/Regional Entities in alignment with Future Earth’s mission
• represent the Future Earth Network at external engagements
• engage with custodian organisations, partner organisations, funders and stakeholders
• support the Future Earth governing bodies
• ensure operations are aligned with Future Earth principles: inclusiveness, diversity, sustainability, transparency and impartiality
• lead resource mobilization to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Future Earth
• oversee preparation of the Secretariat’s annual budget located at GERICS/Hereon

Ihr Profil

• PhD in an area of sustainability science, Earth system science, science policy, or a closely related field
• strong international scientific credibility in sustainability science or a related domain
• proven senior leadership experience in complex, international and multi-stakeholder organisations or networks
• experience working with governance bodies, including preparation of materials and implementation of decisions
• experience coordinating teams across multiple geographies, cultures and time zones
• demonstrated experience in partnership development across research, policy and societal actors
• proven experience in resource mobilization and fundraising
• experience overseeing financial planning, budgeting or financial reporting processes
• excellent communication and representation skills in international contexts
• high level of interpersonal skills and ability to work across disciplines, sectors, cultures and geographies
• fluency in English

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Sebastian Sonntag (sebastian.sonntag@hereon.de).

Wir bieten Ihnen

• a unique opportunity to lead the coordination of a global research network at the forefront of sustainability science
• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)  
• individual opportunities for further training
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 14 according to TV EntgO Bund
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• very good compatibility private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• corporate benefits
• office location in the heart of the city of Hamburg in the historic Chilehaus 

Schwerbehinderte und diesen gleichgestellte behinderte Personen werden bei gleicher Qualifikation und Eignung im Rahmen der gesetzlichen Bestimmungen bevorzugt berücksichtigt.

Haben wir Ihr Interesse geweckt? Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Bewerbung.