Job Description
Location: Hybrid / Dublin 2. There is significant flexibility for home working, but candidates must be able to travel to Dublin as required.
Salary: €36,000 (3 days per week, €60,000 FTE)
Contract: Specified Purpose (Sick Leave Cover)
The opportunity
Purpose+Impact is supporting the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) to recruit a Co-Chief Executive Officer to support the organisation through a defined period of leadership transition.
This is a 3-day-per-week, CEO-level role, focused on the internal leadership of the organisation.
The current CEO is returning on a phased basis and will focus primarily on policy and advocacy. The incoming Co-CEO will take primary responsibility for organisational management, coordination, governance support, and operational oversight.
This is a collaborative leadership role, requiring strong judgement, clarity of thinking, and the ability to operate effectively within a shared structure.
About SWAN
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) is a network of 25 environmental organisations working together to protect and improve water quality across Ireland and to advance sustainable water management.
SWAN plays an important role in coordinating collective action, supporting member organisations, and influencing policy in the environmental sector.
What the role involves
This is a broad leadership role in terms of accountability, within a small organisation. The emphasis is on oversight, coordination, and decision-making, rather than carrying a large volume of technical work.
The Co-CEO will focus on the internal organisational side of SWAN’s work, including:
Organisational leadership and coordination
Line management and staff support
Planning and reporting cycles
Governance support and Board engagement
Financial oversight and budget review
Operational decision-making and prioritisation
Acting as a key point of contact for internal and Board matters
Working alongside the current CEO
The current CEO will retain responsibility for policy, advocacy, and external positioning.
The incoming Co-CEO will take primary responsibility for internal management and organisational leadership.
There will be some overlap where policy work and organisational delivery intersect. The role therefore requires someone who is comfortable working collaboratively, while exercising clear ownership in their areas of responsibility.
Organisational context
SWAN is a small organisation with a team of six staff.
The team includes communications and advocacy capacity, policy staff, and finance and operations support. The organisation operates largely in a remote environment, so the ability to support an independent team, maintain coordination, and ensure clarity in ways of working will be important.
The role does not require building systems from scratch. It does require someone who can support and strengthen management practice, maintain effective organisational rhythm, and ensure that internal processes remain proportionate and well managed.
Governance development is supported internally, with the Co-CEO providing oversight and direction. Management practice, including appraisals, one-to-ones, and individual work planning, is likely to require more direct input.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who can operate at a senior level in a small, mission-driven organisation and who is comfortable combining leadership with hands-on oversight.
You are likely to bring:
Senior leadership or management experience
Strong organisational and operational capability
Experience working with Boards or governance structures
Financial oversight and budgeting experience
The ability to prioritise, make decisions, and maintain momentum
Experience in the not-for-profit sector will be valuable. Experience in environmental or policy-related work would be beneficial, but is not essential.
We are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds who can demonstrate the ability to operate effectively in this type of role.
Contract and practical details
This is a Specified Purpose Contract linked to the phased return of the current CEO.
The current expectation is that the role will run through the remainder of the year, although the exact duration is dependent on organisational needs.
The role is based on a 3-day week and offers flexibility in how those days are structured.
The organisation operates on a hybrid basis, with some in-person engagement in Dublin required.
Why this role may appeal
This role offers the opportunity to:
Work at CEO level in a part-time capacity
Support a respected organisation in the environmental sector
Play a key role during an important period of transition
Work within a collaborative leadership structure
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV.
Applications close at 9am on Monday, 11 May 2026.
Queries may be directed to Damian Penston at damian@purposeandimpact.org.