Director

Mental Health Europe

About the Organisation

Mental Health Europe Mental Health Europe is the leading independent European non-governmental network organization dedicated to promoting positive mental health, protecting the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities, preventing mental distress, and improving mental health care and social inclusion.

About the role

Director, you will oversee the implementation of Mental Health Europe’s organizational strategy, provide guidance to a dynamic team, and represent the organization across Europe. Working closely with the Board of Directors, you will ensure the organization’s financial sustainability, drive advocacy efforts, and strengthen partnerships to achieve our mission of better mental health for all.

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the mental health landscape across Europe, where your leadership will shape key policies and initiatives. We offer a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where your vision will be valued, and your contributions will directly influence the direction of our work. This role provides prospects for professional growth and the possibility to be part of a passionate and dedicated network of people committed to improving mental health for all.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Management:

• Drive the implementation of Mental Health Europe’s vision, mission, and goals in alignment with its values.
• Co-create the organizational strategy with the Board, team, and membership every four years, with the development of the next strategy taking place in 2025.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

Governance & Organisational Oversight:

• Ensure effective governance and provide regular written and verbal updates and recommendations to the Board of Directors.
• Oversee Mental Health Europe’s financial and operational health, including budget management and compliance.
• Strengthen and expand the membership network in collaboration with the Head of Operations.

Advocacy & External Relations:

• Represent Mental Health Europe as a spokesperson, advocating for human rights, stigma reduction, cocreation, and mental health policies across Europe.
• Build strong partnerships with European and International institutions (WHO, ILO, OECD, CoE, UNICEF), NGOs, research bodies, and funders.
• Guide and advise advocacy and communications efforts to influence European strategies and integrate mental health perspectives in policies, practice, and research.

Team Management & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and empower the management team and staff, fostering collaboration across teams.
• Promote an inclusive workplace culture focused on equity and mental well-being.
• Oversee recruitment, professional development, and performance evaluations.

Fundraising & Resource Development:

• Develop a sustainable fundraising strategy and secure funding from diverse sources, including EU grants and philanthropic organizations.
• Build transparent and lasting relationships with funders.

Programme Development & Delivery:

• Support the design, delivery, and evaluation of impactful projects and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for innovative programs and partnerships
• Contribute to the co-creation and co-delivery of capacity-building activities, conferences, and events, where necessary.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• 8 years of progressive and demonstrative experience in leadership and management roles, preferably within the nonprofit, mental/public health, or disability sector.
• Knowledge of the social determinants of mental health, human rights frameworks, and social inclusion principles, and understanding of the concepts of recovery and deinstitutionalization in mental health.
• Proven track record of creating and implementing strategic plans, managing diverse teams, and leading organizational growth.
• Knowledge, awareness, and understanding of co-creation.
• Strong understanding of European institutions, policymaking, and advocacy processes, particularly in health and social policy.
• Demonstrable experience in Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Financial oversight, including budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a healthy, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes mental well-being, collaboration, and equity for a diverse and multicultural team.
• Strong networking, interpersonal, and partnership-building skills with EU institutions, International Organisations, NGOs, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience working with public authorities and other stakeholders at a very senior level.
• Expertise in fundraising, including securing grants from European funding sources, philanthropic organizations, and/or other donors.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively.
• Fluency in English – native level (written and spoken)
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail
• Very good interpersonal, diplomatic, and negotiation skills
• Commitment to the values, vision, and mission of Mental Health Europe.

Desirable:

• Experience leading European NGOs and international membership networks.
• Background in mental health or disability fields as a practitioner, policymaker, and advocate.
• Familiarity with EU project management, research commissioning, and co-creation approaches.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field Public Health, Psychology, Social Sciences, Law, and European Studies.

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Health Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Public Transport Contribution,
• Teleworking Allowance, 
• Lunch Vouchers.

Conditions of employment

•  You need to be eligible to work in the EU

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Brussels office and remotely

How to apply

• Send an email to [email protected] with a CV two referees and a cover letter, and with the subject line "Director" by 7th February 2025 at 5 PM

Interviews

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The first interview will be online 21st of February and the second interview will be (in person in Brussels) on the 10th of March 2025

Policies

• We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and we welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health problems.

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