Chief Executive Officer
- Lead global collaboration to create an addiction-free world where people strive together to lead the best lives for themselves, their families, and their communities
- Drive international partnerships, digital innovation, fund development, and sustainable growth in a values-led organisation
- Global role, open to candidates internationally
The Impact of the Organisation
SMART Recovery International is a not-for-profit established in 2018 to maximise the worldwide impact of the SMART Recovery Program. With Affiliates across 16 countries and digital delivery platforms reaching people everywhere, SMART Recovery is among the world’s largest communities of mutual support groups for people overcoming addiction. Several thousand trained volunteers - including peers and addiction treatment professionals - lead approximately 3,500 free weekly meetings to facilitate this support.
Grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery empowers people to build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and live balanced lives. SMART provides tailored programs for families and friends, young people, justice-involved participants, and culturally specific communities.
SMART exists because people across the globe are motivated to reduce stigma and support recovery. Guided by values of integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, SMART Recovery International ensures that science, mutual aid, and lived experience come together to help individuals, families, and communities thrive.
SMART - which stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training- has been helping people for more than three decades. Extensive research has established the effectiveness of the program. (See SMART Recovery Bibliography.)
The Impact of the Role
As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead SMART Recovery International through its next phase of global growth and innovation. Reporting to the Board, you will drive international strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability. You will oversee the organisation’s digital delivery arm - SMART Recovery - Global, and champion the adoption of technology to reach more people, more effectively, worldwide.
This role is an opportunity to shape the future of global addiction recovery. By fostering collaboration with Affiliate organisations, building philanthropic and funding relationships, and amplifying SMART’s voice on the world stage, you will be central in enabling SMART to thrive as a strong, sustainable, values-driven organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading global strategy and ensuring effective governance, reporting, and risk management
- Acting as a global ambassador for SMART, strengthening partnerships across health, recovery, and mental health sectors
- Driving sustainable revenue growth through philanthropy, grants, government funding, and earned income generated by facilitator training programs and sales of publications in multiple languages
- Fostering a culture of collaboration among staff, volunteers, and affiliates worldwide.
- Overseeing global communications, digital presence, and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma
- Ensuring operational excellence across training, publishing, licensing, branding, safeguarding IP, and Affiliate compliance
- Leading financial management, budgets, and oversight in collaboration with the Board
- Supporting the Board and its Committees with timely, strategic input and engagement
- Managing and supporting a small international team, fostering a strong organisational culture aligned with SMART’s mission and values, and supporting staff development and performance in line with strategic goals
About You
You are a values-driven leader with the vision and experience to steer an international organisation. You bring a passion for recovery, equity, and social impact, along with the ability to inspire and connect diverse stakeholders across cultures and sectors. To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- Proven executive leadership experience, ideally in the not-for-profit sector at a national and international level
- Expertise in strategic planning, governance, risk management, and financial oversight
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue diversification, including major donors, campaigns, grants, and partnerships
- Experience guiding organisational growth through digital transformation
- Exceptional communication, marketing, and stakeholder engagement skills across diverse networks
- Entrepreneurial business and fund development skills, and the ability to cultivate enduring global partnerships
- A collaborative, inspiring leadership style that fosters a healthy organisational culture and staff development
- Demonstrated commitment to SMART Recovery International’s mission and values is essential, with knowledge of addiction and recovery-related issues considered highly desirable
Benefits of Working with SMART Recovery International
- Purpose-driven global leadership role with meaningful social impact
- Opportunity to shape the future of recovery through innovation and collaboration
- Work alongside an international network of Affiliates, partners, and communities
- Flexible working environment - this is a full-time, permanent, remote role
How to Apply
If you’re ready to bring your leadership, vision, and compassion to a role that has the potential to transform recovery worldwide, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in leading SMART Recovery International and how your experience meets the key requirements.
- Applications will be assessed as they are received, with shortlisted candidates invited to interview.
- The successful candidate will be required to undergo a National Police Check (or equivalent in their country of residence).
For a confidential conversation and to request the candidate pack, please contact Chloe Barton at Impact Advising: [email protected]
Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in workforces.