Trustee / Board Member
Voluntary (unpaid) | Remote-first | Approx. 2-4 hrs/month
About the Happier Lives Institute
The Happier Lives Institute (HLI) is a nonprofit research organisation that identifies the most cost-effective ways to improve wellbeing globally. We advise donors and decision-making on how to maximise their impact.
We compare charities and interventions using WELLBYs (wellbeing-adjusted life years), a metric now used in UK Treasury guidance. Our research finds that charity cost-effectiveness varies far more than people expect: the best programmes have hundreds — sometimes thousands — of times more impact per dollar than typical ones.
HLI’s work has been published in the World Happiness Report and academic journals, and our analysis has helped direct more than $10 million to high-impact charities. We recently launched the Happier Lives Fund, which makes grants to the organisations our research finds most effective.
As HLI enters a new phase focused on fundraising and growth, we are expanding our Board of Trustees.
We are particularly seeking someone with fundraising, philanthropy, or income-generation experience to strengthen our strategic oversight and support our development ambitions.
HLI is a UK-registered charity, has US non-profit status and is working towards registration in the Netherlands.
The role
Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of HLI. Working alongside fellow board members and the executive team, you will help ensure the organisation is effective, financially sustainable, and aligned with its charitable mission.
This is an opportunity to help shape how philanthropy prioritises global wellbeing and contribute to an ambitious, evidence-driven organisation leading a paradigm shift of taking happiness seriously.
Key Responsibilities
As a Trustee, you will:
- Help set and oversee HLI’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability
- Ensure effective governance, financial stewardship, and compliance with charity law
- Provide constructive challenge and strategic guidance to the executive team
- Act as an ambassador for HLI and its mission
- Support organisational growth through networks, insight, and external credibility
- Attend and actively participate in board meetings and occasional working groups
Additional contribution (Fundraising focus)
We are especially interested in trustees who can:
- Advise on fundraising strategy and income diversification
- Support development of major donor and philanthropic relationships
- Provide insight into HNW relationship building
- Help open networks or partnerships aligned with HLI’s mission
- Strengthen board oversight of fundraising risks and opportunities
Person Specification
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. You do not need prior trustee experience, but experience of being a trustee or member of a development board is an asset.
Essential
- Strong alignment with HLI’s mission to improve global wellbeing
- Major donor fundraising, social impact income generation or philanthropy
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement
- Ability to collaborate constructively at board level
- Commitment to good governance and ethical decision-making
Particularly desirable (Fundraising expertise)
Experience in one or more of:
- Securing 5- and 6-figure philanthropic gifts
- Foundations, donor-advised funds, or grantmaking
- Nonprofit income strategy or development leadership
- Impact-focused or evidence-based philanthropy
- Corporate partnerships or high-net-worth engagement
Time Commitment
- Board meetings: approximately 4 per year (online)
- Preparation and follow-up: ~2–4 hours per meeting
- Occasional ad-hoc support or introductions
Total expected commitment: 2-4 hours per month.
Term
- Initial expected term: 3 years, renewable (subject to board approval).
What You'll Gain
- Opportunity to shape a growing, high-impact charity influencing global giving
- Exposure to cutting-edge wellbeing research and effective philanthropy
- Collaboration with an intellectually engaged and mission-driven board
- Meaningful contribution to improving lives worldwide
Diversity & Inclusion
We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are particularly keen to broaden the diversity of perspectives represented on our board.
How to Apply
Please send:
A short expression of interest (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and relevant experience
A CV or LinkedIn profile
to: alex@happierlivesinstitute.org ASAP
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 9am (GMT) on Monday 27 April. We expect to hold interviews the following week.