THE ROLE

The Executive Director is the chief executive and principal organisation leader of WINS, accountable to the Board for strategy, performance, sustainability, funding, reputation and impact.  The central challenge is to further develop WINS as a stronger, more sustainable and more influential international organisation in the field of nuclear security by building on existing strengths, while identifying opportunities for growth, new partnerships, new diversified and stable funding, professional development and global impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & institutional growth — Stabilise and diversify funding strategies; strengthen the WINS Academy and create greater institutional demand for certification; deepen industry engagement; develop WINS’ next mid- and long-term strategies; translate strategic priorities into measurable objectives and capabilities; and ensure effective execution

Fundraising & financial sustainability — Make resource development a central leadership responsibility; build senior relationships with financial supporters; seek new avenues for funding; and foster appropriate membership, partnership and earned-income opportunities

Partnerships & global relationships — Serve as principal ambassador and relationship builder; foster trusted relationships across government, regulators, industry, international organisations, professional bodies, academia, and civil society; demonstrate familiarity with the civil nuclear ecosystem, including operators, regulators, vendors, research reactors, medical applications and advanced reactors, and create partnerships and earned revenue while protecting WINS’ independence and not-for-profit mission

Membership & community — Strengthen WINS as a leader in the nuclear security global professional community and increase membership value, engagement, relevance and reach

Organisational leadership — Further develop WINS as a high-performing, collaborative and resilient organisation; strengthen systems, controls, knowledge management and talent; and nurture leadership capacity beyond the ED

Reputation, influence & communications — Represent WINS with credibility; articulate the importance of nuclear security professionalism and WINS’ distinctive contribution; increase visibility while maintaining impartiality and protecting independence and reputation

Board partnership & governance — Maintain a strong relationship with the Board; provide clear information on strategy, performance, sustainability, risk and opportunities; use Board expertise and relationships strategically

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

WINS welcomes candidates who have reached senior (minimum of 15 years) executive level leadership roles and can demonstrate the combination of organisational leadership, not-for-profit fundraising success, relationship development, and substantive credibility required for the role. Specific knowledge of the nuclear industry, including its regulatory standards, especially regarding the safe and secure management of nuclear materials and technologies across the broad range of civilian purposes (power generation, medical isotopes, research and development, advanced reactors) is essential. Of particular importance is demonstrating the ability to manage complex donor relationships, navigate complex geopolitical environments, and ensure strong governance and institutional compliance, while remaining technology-agnostic and independent.

Nuclear security, regulatory or international institutional leadership

Candidates should demonstrate experience with a national nuclear regulatory authority, the IAEA, government, or another major international nuclear organisation to show understanding of nuclear security frameworks, national implementation, regulatory expectations, intergovernmental processes, and relationships with senior officials. Candidates should also exhibit entrepreneurial ability and comfort operating in a lean, independent organisation.

Nuclear security technical leadership

Candidates should demonstrate technical depth in nuclear security and show strong leadership, relationship development, and the ability to empower other experts.

Public policy, international affairs, or diplomacy

Candidates should demonstrate diplomatic judgement, influence, coalition building, exceptional communication, and the ability to translate technical issues for non-specialist audiences.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant senior executive, organisational leadership or equivalent experience in the nuclear arena
• Strong record of organisational building, development or transformation
• Successful fundraising and resource development for not-for-profit organisations
• Development of strategic partnerships across the nuclear sectors
• Strong financial and organisational management capabilities
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• International experience and ability to operate across national and cultural boundaries, particularly in the nuclear arena
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus
• Experience working with a Board or comparable governance body
• Substantive knowledge of nuclear security, nuclear policy, international security, nuclear regulation, the nuclear industry and international affairs

WHY WINS?

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with a global professional community, a distinctive mission, an established platform, and significant potential for further growth and impact.

The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape what WINS becomes over the next decade and strengthen an organisation whose work contributes directly to global security.

APPLICATION

Closing date: 30 September 2026

Applications should be addressed to Dr John Barrett, Chair of the WINS Board, at EDvacancy@wins.org

To apply, please submit:

• CV
• Letter of application
• Short statement demonstrating how your experience meets the criteria for the role