CEO

Demos Helsinki
Hope and change come from action.
The societies we live in were not designed for the challenges they now face. Institutions, policies, and economic structures have developed over decades through political choices, compromises, and changing circumstances. Many have produced enormous progress. But the values behind them are increasingly being tested by global dynamics that cut across established policy boundaries: ecological crises, geopolitical uncertainty, technological change, demographic shifts, and growing pressures on societies.
At Demos Helsinki, we believe these challenges require more than better answers to existing questions. They also require better questions and the ability to turn knowledge into action that helps societies change direction towards a fairer, more sustainable and joyful future. That is why we are committed to leading societal transformations.
This is what our work is about.
Change can happen only through action and only together.
Demos Helsinki is a globally operating, non-profit and independent think tank. We are a community of motivated experts and we carry out consultative and research projects together with hundreds of partners, including governments and public agencies, foundations, UN organisations, the European Commission and companies. Over the past 20 years, we have grown into an international organisation of over 80 people working around the world on more than 100 projects per year, with a revenue of over €6 million.
About the role
We are looking for a CEO to lead the next strategic phase of Demos Helsinki and its organisational renewal.
Building on years of growth and impact, Demos Helsinki is entering a new strategic phase. As a democratic organisation, we have already started designing it together, further building on our strengths to grasp new ambitious opportunities. The organisational renewal will happen as we carry this direction into our leadership, priorities and daily practice. To succeed, this needs to be backed by a forward-looking business model, tested against real trade-offs and owned by the whole organisation.
As CEO, you will lead this work with the steering and supervision of the Board.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading the work in the new strategic phase and organisational renewal
Translating strategy into execution; defining clear priorities and follow-through into practice - from value proposition, business model and diversified funding base, positioning, how we work and organise ourselves
Leading organisational renewal as a shared journey with a community, built on high trust
Building our impact as our core measure of success and ensuring our long-term relevance
Connecting existing organisational capabilities and building new ones to help turn the impact opportunities opened up by the new strategy into reality
Developing a balanced and impactful portfolio of projects and connected initiatives
Strengthening and diversifying our funding base through sales
Representing Demos Helsinki externally and building influence and new opportunities with partners and funders
Holding overall financial and legal accountability
Ensuring sound governance and risk management on organisational level
Overseeing overall financial sustainability and legal compliance
Acting as the supervisor for the members of the executive leadership
Developing our community, talent and culture
Nurturing our ethos and building on our culture of psychological safety, trust and kindness to support the strategic direction and goals we have set ourselves
Overseeing strategies for attracting, developing and retaining the best talent, continuously striving for exceptional quality, and aligning organisational systems to make this possible
What we are looking for in candidates:
Passion for societal transformation and deep belief that a fair, sustainable, and joyful next era is possible.
Proven leadership experience in an impact-driven organisation.
Strong strategic judgement and curiosity towards the world.
The humility to keep learning, listen to others and change course when needed.
Deep understanding of societal dynamics.
An established international network and extensive experience building relationships with partners and funders.
Financial and governance acumen to ensure quality and comprehensive oversight.
An empathetic, collaborative leadership style suited to a trust-based, democratic culture.
An entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to hold accountability for difficult choices.
Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
Above all, we are looking for someone who genuinely believes organisations like ours can help societies find a better direction and who is ready to lead the challenging, yet rewarding work of renewal to get there.
What success could look like
After your first year, the work in the new strategic phase is visibly alive in how Demos Helsinki works, not just in what it says. Priorities are clear, difficult trade-offs have been made and owned, and the organisation is moving through renewal with trust intact rather than eroded.
You have strengthened our funding base and deepened relationships with the partners and funders. The executive leadership is functioning well under your steer. Our culture is healthy, the Demos Helsinki community is thriving, and the talent we need to continue to succeed is being attracted, developed, and retained.
In short, you have shown - through practice, not just intent - that renewal and impact can go hand in hand.
Practicalities for the position
Position: The terms of the appointment will be agreed with the selected candidate and confirmed in a CEO Agreement with the Board of Demos Helsinki. Our hope is to build a long-term collaboration together.
Location & relocation: While our home base is Helsinki, Finland, you can also be based elsewhere in Europe (preferably in EEA) to work in this position. If you’re willing to relocate to Finland, we offer support with the residence permit applications and guidance on other relocation matters, such as finding housing, registering with local authorities and settling into life in Finland.
During onboarding, we’ll ask you to spend a longer stretch in Helsinki, followed by regular presence later. The details will be discussed in the recruitment process based on the candidate’s circumstances.
Reporting line: Reports to the Board of Demos Helsinki.
Salary: Compensation will be agreed during the process, and we will discuss it openly as we move forward. We’d welcome hearing your salary expectations during our conversations.
Start: January 2027 / agreed with the selected candidate.
How to apply
Please submit your application through this form. Your application consists of your CV and answers to the questions in the application form.
We assume AI tools will be part of how you work. Yet, please ensure that your unique voice is not lost. Please briefly explain in the application form how you used AI tools in preparing your application. If you didn’t, mention that as well.
The deadline is set for November 3rd 21:00 CET / 22:00 EET. We may keep applications open longer if needed.
We currently expect the first round of interviews to take place on 16 and 17 November 2026, and the second round on 23 and 24 November 2026.
If you are unable to attend on these dates, we will do our best to arrange an alternative time. First- and second-round interviews will be conducted online, and third-round interviews will be conducted in person.
Questions?
We are happy to answer any questions that are not sufficiently clarified in the job posting or that you feel would be important to discuss at this stage of the recruitment process. Please note that we carefully review all applications we receive, so a phone call is not requ

Work arrangement
No