Research Fellows - Sustainable Leadership & Corporate Governance

Job DescriptionPosition:Research Fellows – Sustainable Leadership and Corporate GovernanceInstitution:
The Sustainability Board (TSB)Location:
RemoteCommitment:
Part-time, flexible (Experienced, Postgraduate, or PhD students)About The Sustainability BoardThe Sustainability Board is a London based small independent global think tank dedicated to advancing sustainable leadership and corporate governance. TSB has fundamentally influenced global best practice on sustainability board oversight. Over the past six years, our research, roundtables, and executive programmes have helped board directors, CEOs, and board advisors navigate governance preparedness for global issues such as climate change, human rights, AI, nature loss, geopolitics, and equality.We have recently restructured and now aim to enter a pivotal growth stage, shaping our next five-year strategy, expanding our global reach, and securing sustainable funding to strengthen our independence and impact.Role OverviewWe are looking for two Research Fellows that will work closely with the TSB Board of Directors to help define the institute’s strategic future. This role will be central in reaffirming, or redefining TSB’s focus, ensuring our activities and funding model align with our mission and community needs.The Fellows will work directly with two of TSB’s Board Members, both former CEOs of important companies, benefiting from high-level mentorship and strategic guidance.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Community ResearchDesign, launch, and analyse surveys for TSB’s global follower community to identify core interests (e.g., community, events, research, upskilling, policy advocacy).Segment findings to highlight opportunities for programme development and donor alignment.2. Competitive Landscape and Market AnalysisResearch other leading global and non-profit institutes in sustainable leadership, corporate governance, and ESG preparedness.Produce a competitive benchmarking report highlighting differentiation opportunities, partnership prospects, and unmet market needs.3. Funding Model DevelopmentAnalyse global philanthropic and institutional funding trends for think tanks and research institutes within our focus area.Map potential donor bases aligned with TSB’s mission, identifying key engagement strategies and value propositions.Asses opportunities for dues or other income from follower and user community independent of donor and grant strategy.4. Strategic RecommendationsSynthesize research into a forward-looking strategy paper for the Board, outlining:Recommended focus areas for TSB’s future activities.Viable and diversified funding models.Stakeholder engagement opportunities for a global audience.5. Governance Transition SupportProvide research insights to help transition the Board of Directors into a governance-focused role ahead of appointing an Executive Director.Candidate ProfileWe are seeking an exceptionally sharp, analytical, and conscientious postgraduate student with:Academic background in sustainability, corporate law, corporate governance, public policy, international affairs, business, or related fieldsProven research design and data analysis skills, including qualitative and quantitative methodsExperience in survey creation and audience segmentationStrong analytical writing and presentation skills with the ability to distil complex findings for senior leadersInterest in global sustainability challenges and the intersection of corporate governance and systemic riskAbility to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines:Basic understanding of corporate governance, directors’ fiduciary duties, and the working of boards of directors in generalExperience with donor or stakeholder mappingKnowledge of ESG frameworks and international governance trendsWhat You Will GainDirect experience shaping the strategy of a globally recognised institute.Mentorship from former CEOs and exposure to senior-level leadership thinking.Access to senior leaders in corporate governance, sustainability, and public policy.A high-profile deliverable that will influence real-world institutional change.Networking opportunities with TSB’s board and global partners.Duration and CompensationStart date: Autumn 2025 (Early September)Duration: Deliverable due 1st of December 2025 (with potential follow-on engagement)Hours: flexible around academic commitmentsCompensation: unfortunately we cannot offer any compensation at this stage, but we will give due credit to the fellows in materials and our websiteTo Apply:Submit a CV, and a statement (short cover letter) outlining your interest and relevant skills, as well as a brief writing sample (max. 2 pages) to
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