Head of Impact & Sustainability

About the role

You will architect and own the end-to-end impact strategy that defines how Cohere creates value for society and the planet. You will serve as the primary architect of our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) accountability framework, translating our enterprise AI mission into measurable outcomes. You will build and scale a world-class philanthropic foundation that channels resources toward high-impact initiatives aligned with our values. You will design and lead employee giving and volunteer programs that harness the passion and skills of our global team. You will establish rigorous measurement frameworks that track both social impact and environmental performance across our operations and supply chain. You will act as the key external and internal storyteller, positioning Cohere as a trusted leader in responsible AI development and deployment. You will partner closely with executives, investors, and community stakeholders to ensure our impact strategy supports long-term business resilience. You will ensure that all impact initiatives comply with evolving regulations and global reporting standards while identifying innovative approaches to maximize positive outcomes.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and implement a comprehensive ESG strategy that integrates environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance excellence across all Cohere operations.

Establish and manage Cohere's philanthropic foundation, defining strategic giving priorities, partnership frameworks, and long-term funding commitments.

Lead philanthropic initiatives, research collaborations, and strategic engagement with universities and academic institutions worldwide.

Create and scale structured employee giving programs and volunteer opportunities that foster a culture of social responsibility and community engagement.

Design measurable impact frameworks, key performance indicators, and data collection processes to track ESG performance and philanthropic outcomes.

Ensure compliance with relevant ESG regulations, reporting standards, and disclosure requirements while identifying opportunities for innovation in impact methodology.

Work with the communications and people teams to develop and deliver internal and external impact narratives that reinforce Cohere's leadership in responsible AI.

Partner with finance, product, and operations teams to integrate impact considerations into business decision-making and strategic planning processes.

Identify and evaluate new opportunities for social and environmental initiatives that align with Cohere's mission and long-term vision.

Oversee the allocation of philanthropic resources, ensuring rigorous due diligence and ongoing monitoring of funded programs and partnerships.

Develop cross-functional impact roadmaps that align short-term deliverables with long-term sustainability and societal goals.

Champion continuous improvement by benchmarking impact practices against industry leaders and incorporating emerging standards into Cohere's programs.

Requirements

Must possess a minimum of 15 years of cumulative experience in ESG, sustainability, impact management, or philanthropy leadership roles.

Must have at least 3 years of experience in a leadership capacity developing and executing ESG or impact strategies.

Must have direct experience establishing and managing philanthropic foundations or large-scale corporate giving programs.

Must demonstrate a proven track record of designing and implementing employee volunteerism and engagement initiatives.

Must have advanced knowledge of global ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Must be skilled in developing and applying quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure social and environmental impact.

Must have strong stakeholder management experience working with executive leadership, investors, board members, and community partners.

Must be capable of balancing strategic vision with operational execution in a fast-paced, high-growth technology environment.

Must hold an advanced degree such as an MBA or equivalent in Business, Sustainability, Social Impact, or a related discipline.

Must have a history of ethical decision-making and integrity in managing sensitive social and environmental issues.

Must be able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and build trust across cultures and regions.

Must be committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within both Cohere's workforce and its community initiatives.

Must be willing to travel as required to company offices and external events to support partnership and stakeholder engagement.

Nice to have

Prior experience in the technology sector developing ESG strategies for enterprise software or AI companies.

Experience with emerging impact measurement methodologies specific to AI and technology-driven organizations.

Familiarity with corporate governance best practices and board-level reporting on ESG matters.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Toronto.

You may be required to travel to other Cohere offices globally as needed.

Visa sponsorship may be considered for eligible candidates based on role requirements.

Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the job description.

The company reserves the right to update impact goals and initiatives as the organization evolves.