We’re looking for a Lead for our Susan Treadwell Change Lab to play a pivotal role in facilitating this transformative space for our members. Collaborating with other projects aimed at strengthening European philanthropy, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of philanthropic endeavours. This programme embodies the spirit and legacy of Susan Treadwell, a visionary within philanthropy and a revered member of Ariadne’s advisory board. Susan’s courage and unwavering commitment to systemic change continue to inspire our work.
Who We Are
Ariadne is a network of European funders who work together to strengthen philanthropy, help funders act strategically, and encourage new donors to enter the field with maximum impact. Our vision is of a Europe where a strong philanthropic sector helps protect and promote human rights and social change. Our current membership extends across 22 countries.
Ariadne hosts regular learning and networking events, coordinates a mentoring scheme, and operates an online portal where members can share ideas and information. Over the past two years the network has been operating primarily virtually, but typically Ariadne holds in-person gatherings several times per year in different parts of Europe. The language of the central network is English, with sub-networks working in French, Dutch, German, and Italian.
Ariadne is housed at Global Dialogue, a UK-registered charity. Global Dialogue is an independent, international platform for philanthropic partnership, offering hosting, regranting, incubation and special initiatives capacity, enabling funders to work together to advance human rights and social change. Global Dialogue offers an inclusive workplace where it is safe to challenge language and behaviour, as well as flexible working and other benefits dependent on the country of employment.
About the Ariadne Change Lab and this role
We recognize that philanthropy is undergoing a significant transition. As questions around accountability, power dynamics, legacies, funding practices, and institutional structures arise, we believe it is crucial to address them head-on. What began as a mentoring programme has evolved into the innovative concept of a Change Lab—a collaborative space where a community of peers come together for mutual support around an agenda of transformation. The aim of the Lab is to resource professionals from backgrounds traditionally excluded and disempowered in philanthropy with the knowledge, tools, relationships, and resources for personal and professional growth (however self-defined) with the aim of disrupting power dynamics within philanthropy. This includes access to practices that enable participants to thrive, such as coaching, mentoring, and care; access to multi-directional learning opportunities in varied formats, driven by the priorities of participants; and access to power through opportunities to interact with and influence decision makers. Together, we strive to cultivate philanthropy that can support deep, systemic change.
As the Lead for the Change Lab, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating this transformative space for our members. Collaborating with other projects aimed at strengthening European philanthropy, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of philanthropic endeavours. This programme embodies the spirit and legacy of Susan Treadwell, a visionary within philanthropy and a revered member of Ariadne’s advisory board. Susan’s courage and unwavering commitment to systemic change continue to inspire our work.
As the Change Lab Lead, you will work closely with both the Ariadne Director and the Director of Programmes to ensure the alignment of content between the Lab participants and the wider network. In this role, you will:
– Lead and manage the entire programme, overseeing relationship cultivation, designing and coordinating the complete cycle (from recruitment to alumni engagement), establishing working methods and protocols, troubleshooting, fostering learning and evaluation, and representing the programme.
– Facilitate and nurture the cohort space, ensuring participatory processes and building trust among participants.
– Act as a bridge between the cohort and the Ariadne team, ensuring synergy in content and priorities.
– Serve as the primary point of contact for host foundations, providing relevant information and support.
– Seek networking opportunities between Lab participants and the broader network.
– Contribute to Ariadne’s communication platforms by sharing pertinent content on the online members’ portal.
– Contribute to reports for funders.
– Fulfil other duties as required.
Person specification
We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:
– Demonstrated commitment to advancing philanthropic practices that align with social justice values, particularly within the realm of human rights.
– Experience navigating the European donor landscape.
– Previous involvement as a grant-maker or a comprehensive understanding of how foundations operate internally.
– Background in social change or human rights fields, with a sustained dedication to these areas over time.
– An understanding of discrimination and the barriers that underrepresented groups in philanthropy face. We encourage applications from those with lived experience.
– Excellent facilitation and communication skills, enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholders.
– Experience in Project Management (including budget monitoring).
– Ability to establish and maintain trust-based relationships and networks, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
– Thrives in a collaborative team environment, actively contributing to a positive team dynamic and collective goal.
– Confidence and motivation to work efficiently from a home-based setting, maintaining productivity and focus.
– Proficient in English. Fluency in another European language is a welcome asset.
– Willingness to travel within Europe, as necessary.
If you do not meet all of the specifications above but believe you have experience relevant to this role, we encourage you to apply.
Terms and Conditions
- Location: Remote within the UK or Europe
- Terms: Part time (50% time)
- Salary: £40,000 per annum pro rata
- Timeline: Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually in early September 2023
- Start date: ASAP
Application Instructions
The closing date for applications is Sunday 13th August.
To apply: please submit a maximum two-page CV and a one-page cover letter to jobs@ariadne-network.eu. Please use the following subject line: “Change Lab Lead: Last name, first name”. The filename of your CV should be “LastnameFirstname_CV” and that of your cover letter should be “LastnameFirstname_Cover”.
Please note that due to the large number of applications we receive, we will only be able to contact short-listed candidates.
Need assistance?
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require anything if you are invited to interview.
We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job; you can ask us about this at any time during recruitment or employment.
