Director General

job specification
Note: this is a shortened version of this job description; the full version can be found on our website here

Post title: Director General

Location: The Brussels region, Belgium (but remote working as Parkinson’s Europe has no physical office)
Responsible to: The Board of Directors (via the President and Executive Committee)
Direct Reports: A team of 8 colleagues (mostly based in the UK), including a 4-person Senior Leadership Team
Travel: Travel to the UK and across the EU will be required on occasions
Part time: 3 days a week
Contract: Permanent freelance position requiring monthly invoicing for their services

About Parkinson’s Europe
Parkinson’s Europe is the only European Parkinson’s umbrella organisation. We have been championing and working with the global Parkinson’s community for over 30 years.

As the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe, we provide trusted information; advance and share good practices; raise awareness and improve understanding of the condition; and facilitate research collaborations.

Our vision is that people with Parkinson’s and their families have access to the highest standards of treatment, support and care they need to live a full and comfortable life.
www.parkinsonseurope.org

The opportunity
We are now seeking an exceptional professional to lead Parkinson’s Europe into its next phase of growth and impact, as outlined in our ambitious 2025-2028 strategic plan.

This pivotal role requires a dynamic leader who is very hands-on and experienced in driving strategic objectives while overseeing the management of day-to-day operations. The Director General will have a crucial role consolidating the current position and reputation of Parkinson’s Europe and, alongside the President and Senior Leadership Team, taking the organisation forward at the highest levels.

Director General focus and responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: Support strategic planning and foster organisational growth and innovation.
• Advocacy and campaigning: Represent Parkinson’s Europe at relevant public events; support Parkinson’s Europe’s campaigning and general advocacy work; collaborate on and oversee Parkinson’s Europe’s political advocacy engagement plan.
• Fundraising and resource mobilisation: Seek to diversify funding, secure grants and cultivate new funding partnerships.
• Governance and compliance: Oversee corporate governance, Board/AGM liaison and legal compliance.
• Financial oversight and management: Manage overall finances, budgeting and financial reporting, working alongside the Financial Manager and Operations Director.
• Team leadership and management: Support in motivating and developing our dedicated team, as well as overseeing HR and internal communication.

Expected skills and competencies of applicants

• Strategic leadership: Visionary and empathetic leader with a proven ability to lead a Board of Directors, ensure effective governance, and translate strategy into tangible results. A track record of building strong, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, from patients to policymakers.
• Advocacy and campaigning: EU/Brussels-level public affairs and advocacy experience. Knowledge of running effective online awareness campaigns.
• Communication and representation: A highly skilled and empathetic communicator with public speaking skills and the ability to represent the organisations at high-level events.
• Fundraising and resource diversification: Experience in diversified fundraising, ideally including EU funding.
• Location and mobility: The role requires a presence in the Brussels region and the successful candidate must have the legal right to work in Belgium from their start date.
• Language proficiency: Fluent in English, with proficient French and/or other European languages.
• IT proficiency: Strong IT literacy and good understanding of digital tools and platforms.
• Professional exposure: Experience working within a non-profit or patient advocacy organisation is essential, while familiarity with the healthcare or neurodegenerative disease landscape and a personal or professional link to Parkinson’s are highly desirable.

Application process

To apply for this pivotal role, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, highlighting your relevant experience and vision for Parkinson’s Europe, to BOTH:

russell@parkinsonseurope.org
dominic@parkinsonseurope.org

Deadline: 30 September 2025

Please note that we will only contact candidates who we will select for an interview.

Parkinson’s Europe is an inclusive employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We believe that a diverse team enriches our work and strengthens our ability to serve the entire Parkinson’s community across Europe. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements we can provide to support you during the application process.

Do not forget to mention that you found this job ad on the Euractiv Jobsite!