JOBS

Applications are now open to join the 2026 Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre

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Closing Date: Not Specified

Applications are now open to join the 2026 Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre

The Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre is recruiting a cohort of influential leaders from politics, business and sport who want to play a bigger role in addressing climate change. Through membership, leaders will explore how they can use their influence, platforms and networks to inspire climate action, normalise low-carbon behaviours, and shape decisions across politics, business and everyday life.

You don’t need to be a climate expert. The Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre is looking for people who are curious, open to learning, and interested in exploring how they can use their influence, platforms, and networks to encourage climate action and help normalise low-carbon choices.

Members will gain access to a growing programme of evidence-based leadership development, including coaching, storytelling and climate communication workshops, alongside networking opportunities and the latest research on climate leadership.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Who should apply?

The centre is currently recruiting:

Political leaders

Current and former politicians, parliamentarians, local authority leaders, and others with significant influence in public and political life.

Business executives

Senior executives from large organisations, including Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), C-suite executives, board members and executive directors. The centre is primarily seeking leaders from organisations with 250 or more employees, or individuals with equivalent influence through major business networks or industry organisations. The centre is exclusively seeking leaders from organisations with 250 or more employees.

Sports leaders

Professional athletes, retired athletes with significant public influence, and selected semi-professional athletes with substantial reach or influence within their sport.

Who the Research centre is looking for?

Successful applicants are likely to demonstrate some combination of:

A significant leadership role within politics, business or sport.
The ability to influence others through their position, profile or networks.
A demonstrable interest in climate change, sustainability, or environmental issues (experience or expertise is not required).
A willingness to learn, share experiences, and engage with other leaders.
An openness to exploring how leadership can contribute to climate action.

As places are limited, priority will be given to applicants with substantial leadership responsibilities, significant public reach, or the capacity to influence large audiences and communities.

The centre is committed to building a diverse community of leaders and welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, countries, perspectives and experiences.

Please note that membership is offered through a competitive application process.

Why apply?

Members of the Research Centre gain access to a growing programme of leadership development, research, networking and learning opportunities focused on climate leadership.

Leadership development

Members will have the opportunity to participate in a specialist programme designed to help leaders communicate effectively about climate change and lead by example.

Current opportunities include:

Climate Leadership Coaching

A six-session group coaching programme delivered by Climate Change Coaches, bringing together leaders from different sectors to explore climate leadership, build confidence and learn from peers.

Storytelling for Climate Leadership

A practical workshop led by Josh Ettinger, climate change communication expert, exploring how storytelling can help leaders engage audiences and inspire action.

Climate Communication Briefings

Expert-led workshops and briefings from Climate Outreach, one of the world’s leading climate communication organisations, helping leaders understand how to communicate climate issues effectively with different audiences.

Networking and events

Members will be invited to talks, workshops, discussions and networking events with other leaders, researchers and practitioners working on climate leadership.

Research and insights

Members will gain early access to emerging research, evidence and insights from the Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre, helping them stay informed about developments in climate leadership and public engagement.

Affiliation

Members may identify themselves as members of the Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre and, where appropriate, be featured on the Centre’s website and communications.

What does membership involve?

The Oxford Climate Leadership Research Centre is both a leadership community and a research programme.

All members are expected to:

Participate in at least one Centre-supported leadership development programme.
Contribute to research activities that help understand climate leadership and its impacts.
Research participation may include surveys, interviews, feedback sessions and, where relevant, analysis of public communications such as social media activity. All research will be conducted in accordance with University of Oxford ethical and data protection requirements.
Engage constructively with other members and Centre activities where possible.

The centre recognise that members have demanding professional commitments. Participation requirements are designed to be manageable and flexible.

Eligibility

The Oxford Climate Leadership Centre is currently recruiting leaders from politics, business and sport.

Applications must be from any of these categories:

National and regional political leaders, parliamentarians and former politicians.
Senior executives from large organisations (typically 250+ employees), including CEOs, C-suite executives, board members and executive directors. We also welcome leaders of major business networks and professional organisations.
Professional, retired and nationally recognised athletes with significant reach.

Please note: The centre is not currently recruiting founders, owners or directors of small organisations (businesses, charities or other enteprises) unless they also hold a wider leadership role with substantial influence beyond their own organisation.

Because places are limited, priority will be given to applicants with substantial leadership responsibilities and the ability to influence organisations, communities or public audiences.

If you are unsure whether you meet the current eligibility criteria, please feel free to contact the team by email.