COO - Do you want to co-build the fungi version of Norrsken?
The Future Is Fungi Award
Do you want to co-build the fungi version of Norrsken? We are looking for a stellar COO in Stockholm to join The Future is Fungi Award 🌍
You'll be a vital force as we accelerate the global ecosystem of frontier fungal technologies worldwide solving pressing environmental challenges, and help scientists and startups to commercialize their gamechanging fungi innovations 🔬🍄 Biotech solutions such as mycotechnologies are shaping the future, and you'll play an important part building a global platform catalyzing these solutions.
As COO, you'll be the driving force behind The Future is Fungi’s operational excellence, leading the internal execution of the award and related initiatives. We’re seeking a leader with a startup mindset, global ambitions and a commercial attitute.
This is a rare chance to help build a pioneering organization from the ground up, where your contributions will have a tangible global impact. You’ll be the second-in-command and the right-hand partner to the CEO.
Typical tasks as the COO:
- Operational execution: Responsible for the execution of all interal operations of the award. You'll need to be an strong operational executer and builder and take on tasks with full force - weather big or small. You know - that in order to build a powerhouse, like every startup, we need get done the groundwork first.
- Project manage the award: Oversee timelines, deliveries and collaborating partners.
- Financial oversight: Budgeting and coordinate accounting and financial reporting.
- Resource coordination: Recruit and coordinate part-time hires, contractors and volunteers to meet operational goals
- Fundraising support: Collaborate with the CEO to prepare materials and drive fundraising efforts to secure philanthropic and sponsored partnerships that take the award to new heights.
- Infrastructure & legal coordination: Set up a Swedish entity or transitioning the initiative to a foundation if needed. Manage contracts, legal coordinate and oversee compliance requirements.
- Strategic contributions: Contribute to the CEOs strategic work of building the award to a global fungal powerthouse accelerating fungal technologies.
- Program coordination: Support the operational aspects of initiatives like the Venture Builder Programme, which aids the science award winners to learn how to build a startup.
- Funder coordination and reporting: Manage all practical coordination with funders, including preparing reports, developing impact KPIs, and ensuring timely delivery of updates. Contribute to the development of materials such as pitch presentations and communication packages.
This role requires adaptability, structure, drive and a passion for combining operational rigor with visionary thinking.
The award seeks a person who is:
- A strong executer and a do`er
- Has a decent portion of drive
- Detail oriented, structured, responsible
- Motivated by taking on small things such as support in meeting to fundraising from large international foundations
- Commercially oriented and possess street smartness
- Well grounded
- Motivated by the opportunity to build a global initiative in a emerging field
Desired experience
- Proven experience in a startup environment, preferably in COO roles or similar
- Min. working experience of 6-7 years
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a flexible work setting.
Location and duration
Position is currently a 80% hire, with possibility for a 100% positon with fundraising contributions fron the COO (this is built together). Location is Stockholm, with access to Norrsken House Stockholm. Duration is initially for 1 year as we build the organization, but we're ideally you want to stay on and together built on our vision!
About The Future is Fungi Award
Our mission is to accelerate fungal technologies worldwide and help scientists and startups commercialize groundbreaking fungal innovations. Founded in 2023, we've already brought together scientists, investors, corporations, and the global innovation ecosystem, including Stanford University and the European Innovation Council, for our inaugural award. We've also been nominated for the Earthshot Prize, Food Planet Prize, and featured in Nature Biotechnology and spoke at Brilliant Minds. Previous award went to a scientist developing fungal batteries and A startup cleaning contaminated soil and water using fungi. The next award includes a venture builder program for the top 5 scientists and an expert network for the top 3.
To find out more about the award, visit www.futureisfungi.org . Watch trailer about the award https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26xgGXsXXl0&t=4s
Apply below and get in touch with Susanne Gløersen (founder and CEO), if you want to build out a global fungal powerhouse, showcasing and building the solutions of tomorrow fuelled by nature itself. Novare Executive Search is currently involved in the search prosess.