Executive Director AMES Foundation
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for leaders who can combine conservation impact with sustainable financial returns is on the rise, with the global conservation market expected to grow significantly. AMES Foundation's Executive Director role stands out in the current remote job market, requiring a unique blend of entrepreneurial drive and structural discipline. As remote work continues to reshape the way we approach conservation and sustainability, this role offers a chance to make a tangible difference in the conservation of endangered species. With the right skills and experience, candidates can thrive in this challenging yet rewarding position. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work autonomously, think strategically, and build high-trust stakeholder networks.
Job Description
About the Role
The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in leading AMES Foundation into its next phase of growth, building a scalable conservation platform that combines biodiversity impact with sustainable financial returns. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial generalist to make a significant difference in the conservation of endangered species. The role entails working directly with the Supervisory Board, ensuring alignment across the AMES ecosystem, and leading the long-term institutional development of the platform.As the leader of the organization, the Executive Director will be responsible for establishing repeatable processes, reducing founder dependency, and building a high-trust stakeholder network. This will require strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively in a complex, resource-constrained environment.
The Executive Director will work closely with the team to develop and implement strategies that drive conservation impact and financial sustainability. This will involve collaborating with stakeholders, including investors, partners, and institutions, to secure funding and support for the organization's mission.
What You Will Do
- Develop and implement long-term strategies across conservation and capital
- Own P&L responsibility for the Foundation, ensuring financial sustainability and growth
- Lead fundraising efforts and represent the organization to investors, partners, and institutions
- Reduce founder dependency by establishing repeatable processes and building a strong team
- Ensure strategic coherence across three legally distinct entities (AMES Foundation gGmbH, AMES Operations GmbH, AMES Habitat Fund)
- Develop and maintain a high-trust stakeholder network across investors, conservation partners, and African operators
- Demonstrate clear prioritization judgment in a lean-team setting
- Collaborate with the Supervisory Board to ensure alignment and strategic direction
- Lead the development of institutional processes and structures
- Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, partners, and institutions
What We Are Looking For
- Entrepreneurial background and structural thinking, with experience in a founder environment or MBB/equivalent consulting background
- Direct experience in a founder environment, early employee, or operator in a high-growth or startup context
- Affinity for nature and conservation, with a demonstrated interest in wildlife, conservation, or sustainability
- Full professional fluency in English and German
- Valid German work authorization
- Minimum 4-5 years of senior or leadership experience, with P&L or budget ownership a strong plus
- Ability to impose clarity on complexity and prioritize effectively
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Experience in building and sustaining high-trust stakeholder networks
Nice to Have
- Background in impact investing, venture capital, or philanthropic capital structures
- Familiarity with German foundation law (Stiftungsrecht) or gGmbH governance
- Experience in African markets or cross-cultural, multi-jurisdiction environments
- Network within European conservation, ESG, or family office circles
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package
- Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the conservation of endangered species
- Work with a passionate and like-minded team of entrepreneurs and decision-makers
- Exposure to a high-caliber donor network of changemakers, CEOs, and investors
- Remote work options and flexible working hours
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Access to a network of conservation and sustainability professionals
How to Stand Out
- To stand out in this role, highlight your experience in building and sustaining high-trust stakeholder networks and your ability to work effectively in a complex, resource-constrained environment.
- Be prepared to demonstrate your entrepreneurial drive and structural discipline, with examples of how you have established repeatable processes and built strong teams.
- Show a genuine connection to the mission of AMES Foundation and a passion for conservation and sustainability.
- Develop a strong understanding of the organization's stakeholders, including investors, partners, and institutions, and be prepared to build relationships with these groups.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital skills and remote work, and how you can apply these skills to drive conservation impact and financial sustainability.
- Consider creating a portfolio of your work, including examples of your leadership experience, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
This is a remote position listed on WFA Digital, the platform for professionals who work from anywhere. Browse more remote jobs across all categories.