Head of Sustainability
About World Sailing
World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and responsible for promoting, coordinating, and developing sailing worldwide. The organisation oversees the rules of the sport, Olympic sailing, and environmental and social responsibility initiatives that ensure sailing’s continued relevance and integrity in a changing global context.
Role Purpose
The Head of Sustainability leads World Sailing’s global sustainability strategy, driving progress towards environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term ocean health within the sport. This role ensures that sustainability principles are embedded across events, governance, partnerships, and operations in alignment with World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030 and wider commitments.
- Lead the delivery, development, and evolution of World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030, ensuring measurable progress towards established goals.
- Lead the ongoing implementation and continual improvement of the ISO 20121 management system.
- Ensure sustainability standards are embedded across World Sailing events, venues, and operations.
- Drive initiatives that promote nature conservation, climate action, and inclusion across the sailing community.
- Provide technical advice and support to host venues, classes, and Member National Authorities (MNAs) on sustainable event delivery.
- Act as World Sailing’s sustainability representative to international partners and collaborators, federations, event organisers, IOC, IPC and OCOGs, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
- Develop and manage sustainability communications, impact reporting, and ESG disclosures.
- Manage projects and partnerships with industry stakeholders, research bodies, and NGOs to advance innovation in sustainable technologies and materials.
- Manage and support the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Sustainability Commission.
- Lead and Develop member/stakeholder education and engagement on environmental and social sustainability including equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Lead internal staff engagement and capacity-building on sustainability issues, fostering a culture of environmental and social responsibility and integration across the organisation.
- Manage the Sustainability team and related budgets, ensuring effective use of resources and reporting to the Executive Management Team and Board.
- Support the development and securing of partnership, sponsorship, and wider funding opportunities.
- Manage the annual Impact Awards process.
- Proven track record with 5+ years in sustainability leadership, preferably within sport, maritime, or event-based organisations.
- Strong knowledge of environmental management systems specifically ISO 20121, carbon accounting, and reporting standards.
- Understanding of the UN SDGs, IOC sustainability frameworks, and environmental risk management.
- Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement and communication skills; experience representing organisations at a senior level.
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals into operational initiatives with measurable impact.
- Familiarity with international governance structures and sporting federations is desirable.
- Degree in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, Marine Studies, or related discipline; postgraduate qualification preferred.
- Inspiring leader who can build consensus and motivate diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker, able to balance environmental ambition with operational realities.
- Deep passion for sailing/sport, ocean protection, and community impact.
- Collaborative, data-driven, and innovative problem solver.
