Application Guide
How to Apply for CEO
at United for Global Mental Health
🏢 About United for Global Mental Health
United for Global Mental Health is a small but highly influential organization dedicated to making mental health support accessible to everyone, everywhere, free from stigma. As a lean team of around 20, you'll have the opportunity to drive real impact at the intersection of global health, policy, and advocacy, working with partners like the WHO and UN.
About This Role
As CEO, you'll lead the refinement and delivery of the organization's 2027-2030 strategy, oversee all operations, and represent United for Global Mental Health globally. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of mental health advocacy, building partnerships, and securing sustainable funding to amplify the organization's influence.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the senior leadership team, followed by a strategy session with the board. Afternoon could involve a donor call with a foundation, reviewing a policy brief with the advocacy team, and ending with a one-on-one coaching session with a direct report.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who United for Global Mental Health Is Looking For
- A senior leader with proven experience in organizational strategy, governance, and board relationships, ideally in a global health or international development context.
- Strong fundraising and donor relationship management skills, with a track record of securing six- or seven-figure grants from governments, foundations, or high-net-worth individuals.
- Deep understanding of UN systems, global health architecture, and mental health policy, enabling effective advocacy and partnership building.
- A collaborative, inclusive leader who can inspire a small, remote team of 20, fostering a kind and values-driven culture while managing change and transformation.
📝 Tips for Applying to United for Global Mental Health
Tailor your CV and cover letter to explicitly address the three pillars: strategic leadership, fundraising, and UN/global health expertise. Use specific examples of revenue raised or partnerships forged.
Highlight any experience with organizational transformation or strategy development, as the role involves refining the 2027-2030 strategy during a period of change.
Showcase your understanding of mental health stigma and how you've contributed to destigmatization in previous roles—this is core to the organization's mission.
If you have experience managing a remote or distributed team, emphasize it; the role is fully remote and requires fostering culture across time zones.
Research their current campaigns and recent reports (e.g., on 'Mental Health for All') and mention how you'd build on them in your application.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for advancing global mental health and how you'd refine the 2027-2030 strategy to increase impact.", 'Specific examples of successful fundraising from diverse sources (governments, foundations, private donors) and how you plan to diversify income streams.', 'Your experience navigating UN systems and global health policy, with concrete partnerships or advocacy wins.', 'Your leadership philosophy, especially how you create an inclusive, kind culture in a small, remote team.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read their latest annual report and strategy documents to understand their current priorities and funding sources.
- → Review their key campaigns and advocacy positions, especially around the WHO Mental Health Atlas and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- → Research their major donors and partners (e.g., Wellcome, UK Aid, Grand Challenges Canada) and note any recent funding trends.
- → Look into the backgrounds of the Board of Trustees to understand their expertise and what they might seek in a CEO.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't send a generic CEO application—this role is deeply mission-driven. Avoid vague statements about 'leadership' without connecting to mental health.
- Don't overlook the remote team aspect; failing to mention how you'll manage a distributed team or foster culture remotely is a missed opportunity.
- Don't underestimate the fundraising component. Even if you have strong strategy experience, lacking a clear fundraising track record or plan will weaken your application.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to United for Global Mental Health!