About The Future is Fungi Award

The Future is Fungi Award`s mission is to catalyze frontier fungal research & innovation to solve some of humanity`s largest environmental challenges, and convene a diverse global ecosystem for cooperation to further advance and accelerate fungal innovations.

We bring together the ecosystem across science institutions, corporates, investors, start-ups and the wider innovation ecosystem, convening a global mycelial network. Fungi have the potential to solve some of our most significant environmental challenges, including climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, transitioning from a linear economic system, and pollution. We see applications in areas such as biobased materials and the remediation of contaminated soil and water, but also emerging frontier research on self-healing materials and fungal biobatteries to mention some.

In the next award, the top scientists will be part of a venture building programme where they learn to build a startup, and the startups will get access to a worldwide expert network.

If you’re passionate about fungi’s role in building a regenerative future and thrive in dynamic, startup-like environments, we invite you to join us as our Chief Operating Officer (COO).

About the Role

As COO, you will be the driving force behind The Future is Fungi’s operational excellence, and overall responsible for the organization’s administrative functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the internal execution of the award and related initiatives, freeing up the CEO to focus on external partnerships and fundraising. This is an opportunity to build a pioneering organization from the ground up, where your efforts will have a tangible global impact.

Key Responsibilities:

·     Project Management: Oversee and implement the timeline for the award, ensuring key milestones are met, and establish efficient processes for jury coordination, application review, and event planning.
·     Financial Oversight: Manage budgeting, accounting and financial reporting.
·     Resource Coordination: Help recruit and coordinate part-time hires, contractors and volunteers to support operational goals.
·     Fundraising Support: Collaborate with the CEO to identify funders, prepare materials, and drive fundraising efforts to secure philanthropic and sponsored partnerships.
·     Infrastructure & Legal Coordination: Responsible for transitioning the initiative to a foundation if suitable. Establish additional legal entities if needed (e.g., in Sweden or the U.S.), manage contracts, and oversee compliance requirements.
·     Strategic Contributions: Partner with the CEO to refine organizational strategies, ensuring alignment with the long-term vision of advancing fungal innovation.
·     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.

Who Are We Looking For?

The ideal candidate is structured and detail-oriented, yet also strategically minded with a strong commercial sense. You thrive in entrepreneurial environments, take full ownership of your tasks, and enjoy the challenge of building something from scratch. Experience in the impact or sustainability sector is a plus, particularly if you’ve contributed to scaling innovative ideas. If you’re passionate about the potential of fungi to drive environmental solutions and have a keen interest in sustainability and innovation, this role is for you.

This is a unique opportunity to come in as `number two` in an initiative with significant global potential.

You have:

·     Proven experience in COO or project management roles, and the ability to deliver complex initiatives on time and within budget.
·     Solid knowledge of budgeting, reporting, and financial oversight.
·     A track record of building and refining processes in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
·     Familiarity with handling legal and administrative matters, such as contracts and business structures.
·     Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a flexible work setting.

What We Offer

·     A mission-driven environment where your work contributes directly to solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
·     The opportunity to shape and grow a global organization, from its foundational stages to its establishment as a leader in fungal innovation.
·     A collaborative, supportive culture with a visionary team of sustainability pioneers.
·     Flexibility and autonomy in how you approach your work.
·     The chance to connect with and learn from a global network of thought leaders in science, sustainability, and innovation.

The position is an 80% part-time role based in Stockholm.

How to Apply:

In this recruitment process, The Future is Fungi is collaborating with Novare Interim & Recruitment. Send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you’re excited about this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that we do not accept applications via email due to GDPR regulations. If you have any questions about the position, feel free to contact Kristin Högdahl at kristin.hogdahl@novare.se.