WELCOME
We’re delighted that you’re considering the opportunity to lead the Dr. Martens Foundation.
Dr. Martens has always been about more than a product. Across generations, Docs have become closely associated with individuality, self-expression, challenging convention and the confidence to be yourself. The Foundation takes that spirit and translates it into social impact.
Our mission is simple but ambitious: Backing the right to be yourself. Through our funding and partnerships, we want to create opportunities for people and communities to express themselves, progress, feel safe and challenge the barriers that can hold them back.
This is an exciting moment to join us. We have a clear mission, an engaged and highly committed Board, and the opportunity to shape what the next phase of the Foundation can become. The Board brings a strong mix of experience, perspective and ambition, and we want the new Head to work with us as a real partner, bringing ideas, challenge, judgement and energy to the role.
For me, values alignment will be central to this appointment. We are looking for someone who connects with what sits behind the Dr. Martens community and can translate those values into thoughtful, credible and impactful work. Someone who can listen as well as influence, move confidently between different communities and stakeholders, and build relationships grounded in trust. Just as importantly, we want someone who will be a visible and engaging champion for the Foundation within Dr. Martens, building understanding, enthusiasm and connection with employees across the business.
It is also a professionally exciting leadership opportunity. The new Head will have the chance to shape strategy, influence how we use our resources, deepen relationships with funded partners and grow the Foundation’s reach and impact, while drawing on the visibility, relationships and cultural relevance of a much-loved global brand.
We are open-minded about the route you may have taken. You may have developed your experience within a foundation or funder, a charity or social impact organisation, strategic partnerships or another purpose-led environment. What matters is the judgement you bring around funding and impact, your ability to communicate and influence, and your connection to the values and communities that make Dr. Martens distinctive.
Alongside the ambition, this is a role that remains close to the work itself. We are looking for someone who will enjoy building relationships with partners, engaging with communities, working alongside a small Foundation team and helping us make thoughtful decisions about where our resources can have the greatest impact.
If that combination of purpose, influence and opportunity speaks to you, I very much hope you will consider joining us.
Emily Reichwald
Chair
Dr. Martens Foundation
