Executive Director AMES Foundation

AMES is searching for an entrepreneurial generalist with structural discipline. Capable of building institutional processes from scratch, managing across multiple legal entities, and operating with a high degree of autonomy. Genuine connection to the mission is essential. The AMES Executive Director will lead the organization into its next phase of growth - building a scalable conservation platform that combines biodiversity impact with sustainable financial returns. The candidate will work directly with the Supervisory Board and ensure alignment across the AMES ecosystem and leads the long-term institutional development of the platform, integrating conservation impact with capital strategy and operational execution across:

• AMES Foundation gGmbH
• AMES Operations GmbH
• AMES Habitat Fund

Tasks

Responsibilities span:

• Long-term strategy across conservation and capital
• P&L ownership of the Foundation
• Fundraising and external representation to investors, partners, and institutions
• Reducing founder dependency through institutional structure and team development

The right candidate combines entrepreneurial drive with the structural discipline to build institutional processes in a complex, resource-constrained environment.

Success in this role means:

• Reducing founder dependency within the first 6 months by establishing repeatable processes
• Maintaining strategic coherence across three legally distinct entities without losing operational momentum
• Building and sustaining a high-trust stakeholder network across investors, conservation partners, and African operators
• Demonstrating clear prioritization judgment in a lean-team setting

Requirements

Must-Have Criteria

• Entrepreneurial background /structural thinking: Direct experience in a founder environment (as a founder, early employee, or operator in a high-growth or startup context), or MBB/equivalent consulting background with the ability to impose clarity on complexity and prioritize effectively
• Affinity for nature and conservation: Demonstrated interest in wildlife, conservation, or sustainability in some extent (e.g., private interest)
• Languages: Full professional fluency in English and German required
• Right to work in Germany: Valid German work authorization required
• Leadership experience: Minimum 4–5 years in senior or leadership roles; P&L or budget ownership a strong plus

Nice-to-Have

• Background in impact investing, venture capital, or philanthropic capital structures
• Familiarity with German foundation law (Stiftungsrecht) or gGmbH governance
• Experience in African markets or cross-cultural, multi-jurisdiction environments
• Network within European conservation, ESG, or family office circles

Benefits

• Make a tangible difference in the conservation of endangered animal species in Africa
• Work with a passionate and like-minded team of entrepreneurs and decision makers
• Exposure to high-calibre donor network of changemakers, CEOs and investors
• Competitive compensation package