Chief Planetary Officer (CPO) – Planetary Guardians

Organization: Planetary Guardians
Position: Chief Planetary Officer (CPO)
Location: Global / Remote, ideally London, New York City, or the Netherlands
Employment Type: Full-time
Target Salary: $300,000–$350,000 annually
Application Deadline: Rolling
Travel: Frequent international travel required

About Planetary Guardians

Initiated over the last four years, Planetary Guardians is a collective of world leaders, climate champions, and scientists working to safeguard the Earth’s vital life-support systems. Led by science, nature, and Indigenous wisdom, Planetary Guardians elevates the Planetary Health Check—a scientific assessment led by Dr. Johan Rockström and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)—to assess and track the health of all nine planetary boundaries.

By bridging cutting-edge Earth science, high-level multilateral diplomacy, and grassroots movement-building, Planetary Guardians works with the UN, global governments, principal philanthropic donors, and frontline communities to shift global policy and economic systems. Currently expanding its council of Guardians and establishing independent charitable status in the Netherlands, Planetary Guardians operates with a lean, committed team, a strong network of partners (including PIK, The Elders, Project Dandelion, and The B Team), and an ambitious growth plan to scale programmatic impact globally.

About the Opportunity

Planetary Guardians is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Planetary Officer (CPO) to lead its strategic development, organizational growth, and global impact.

Reporting to the Chair and Board, the CPO will work closely with world-renowned Guardians, climate scientists, and strategic partners to strengthen the organization’s operations, expand its funding base, influence international policy, and establish planetary boundary science as a global framework for decision-making.

The successful candidate will combine executive leadership, fundraising expertise, scientific literacy, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead organizational strategy, governance, financial oversight, and long-term planning.
• Manage a lean, multidisciplinary team and foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture.
• Build relationships with world leaders, governments, UN agencies, and international institutions.
• Develop and implement global advocacy and communications strategies.
• Secure funding, cultivate philanthropic relationships, and establish sustainable revenue streams.
• Strengthen partnerships with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, The B Team, and other strategic organizations.
• Support the Planetary Guardians Council and Advisory Council in maximizing their influence and impact.
• Oversee major initiatives and events, including the annual Planetary Health Check launch and international Guardian gatherings.
• Coordinate operational services, including legal, IT, payroll, and administration, in partnership with The B Team.
• Guide the organization’s growth and support the establishment of its independent charitable status in the Netherlands.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Proven experience building, leading, and scaling organizations or startups.
• A strong track record in fundraising, partnership development, and financial sustainability.
• Experience leading effective teams and working with high-profile leaders across sectors.
• Strong understanding of environmental sustainability, planetary science, or climate policy.
• Experience collaborating with scientists and translating complex evidence into policy or strategic action.
• Excellent strategic planning, governance, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, adaptability, cultural humility, and a commitment to inclusive, service-oriented leadership.

Salary and Benefits

The target annual compensation is $300,000–$350,000. The organization offers a remote-friendly working environment, with access to offices in London and New York. Frequent global travel is required.

The role is supported by a two-year operational runway, providing a foundation for organizational growth and program development.

Location and Work Environment

This is a globally oriented, full-time position. Candidates based anywhere in the world are welcome to apply, with a preference for London, New York City, or the Netherlands. Most team members work remotely.

Planetary Guardians is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

How to Apply

Planetary Guardians has appointed Sally M. Sterling Executive Search to manage the recruitment process.

Interested candidates should submit one PDF or Word document containing:

1. Cover letter (maximum one page): Explain your motivation for leading Planetary Guardians, what excites you about the opportunity, why you are suited to the role, and how your experience would contribute to a diverse and inclusive organizational culture.
2. CV or résumé (maximum two pages).

Email: PlanetaryGuardians@SallySterlingExecutiveSearch.com
Subject line: Your Name – Chief Planetary Officer

Application deadline: Not specified in the provided announcement. Interested candidates should contact the executive search firm for further information.

About the Recruitment Firm

Sally M. Sterling Executive Search is a female-owned executive recruitment firm based in the greater Washington, DC area. The firm specializes in nonprofit and board leadership recruitment, including CEO and C-suite appointments across foundations, media, global development, and cultural organizations.