Our Team

Valentina Serra

Principal Consultant, Global Philanthropy

Valentina Serra

Valentina is a search and leadership advisor with more than 12 years of experience delivering board, executive and senior leadership appointments across the UK and internationally. At Oxford HR, she leads executive search assignments within the global philanthropy sector, partnering with foundations, family philanthropies, donor institutions and social impact organisations on leadership appointments, succession planning and governance-related mandates.

Prior to joining Oxford HR, Valentina held roles with Perrett Laver, Minerva, GatenbySanderson and Green Park, where she advised boards and senior stakeholders on leadership appointments across global development, the UK voluntary sector, education and the wider public sector. Her experience spans a broad range of organisations, from international NGOs and foundations to educational institutions and public bodies, working with clients navigating leadership transitions, organisational growth and strategic change.

Valentina holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Comparative Politics from the University of Milan, as well as a BSc in Government, Policy and Politics from Birkbeck, University of London.

Alongside her executive search work, Valentina is interested in the interplay between culture and leadership, particularly the ways in which different social, political and organisational contexts shape perceptions of authority, influence and effectiveness. She is a strong advocate of research-led search, viewing rigorous market intelligence and thoughtful candidate mapping as essential tools for identifying exceptional talent beyond established networks and conventional career trajectories.

View Valentina's current roles

Oxford HR

Register with Us

Posted 4 years ago

Status: Open

We are fully committed to our work on gender and diversity, so if you’re from an under-represented group we are particularly keen to hear from you.

Job Features

Job CategoryAC, Adrina, Alanna, Alisha, Amanda, Ana, Angeline, Anna, Anna S, Arlene, Arni, Bob, Christel, Dara, Data, Dom, Education, Ely, Environment, Erica, Erik, Estefania, Evelyne, Gareth, George, Health, Helen, Human Rights, Humanitarian, Hye, Ingrid, James, James S, Janet, Jean-Baptiste, Jennifer, Jill, Joshua, Josje, Judy, Karen, Karna, Kassie, Kaushalya, Lewis, Lionel, Lisanne, Livelihoods & Agriculture, Louise, Maria G, Mark W, Martine, Mayank, Mia, Michael, Michelle, Mohamed, Nada, Nafeesa, Nataša, Neil, Nick, Nick S, Nicola, Noha, Ottilia, OxHR Jobs, Peter, Philip, Prisca, Rachel, Razane, Redmond, Robert, Rod, Rosa, Rose, Sobhi, Stephen, Suzie Li, Tamsin, Team, Thibaut, Thierry, Tim, Tim B, Toby, Trade, Valentina, Yolanda, Zoe

Read More

”We had an outstanding experience working with Oxford HR on our Co-Executive Director recruitment. Their team provided incredible, in-depth support throughout the entire process, from understanding our unique needs to identifying and guiding exceptional candidates throughout the process. Their expertise in leadership hiring, combined with their thoughtful and tailored approach, made all the difference. We truly appreciated their commitment to DEI, their deep sector knowledge, and their ability to navigate complex recruitment dynamics with care and professionalism. We highly recommend Oxford HR to any organisation looking for dedicated and strategic recruitment support.

Flavia D’ErasmoInternational Director of HR & Operations, Positive Money

”Thank you for all of your incredible work and guidance throughout the entire search. I really feel you went above and beyond in terms of learning about Malala Fund's work and making sure we got this extremely important hire just right. Our conversations felt very much like we were speaking to a colleague versus an outside recruiter.

Isa MiahFormer Director National Programmes, Malala Fund

”It’s lovely to have someone where it’s clear they know their job so well. There’s a sense of calm and assurance, and it’s very warm. It’s definitely what you want when you’re paying for a service. Without a shadow of a doubt, we would definitely use Oxford HR again.

Morten UssingDirector, Chief of Governance and Multilateral Affairs, UNAIDS

”Oxford HR helped Womankind Worldwide appoint Co-CEOs. Oxford HR team designed a rigorous and comprehensive process, consulted, accompanied and advised the recruitment panel very well throughout the process. The team went out of their way multiple times to ensure the process is run smoothly. They were helpful, professional and fully committed to providing a service of exceptional quality. The quality of the candidates, the recruitment process and the interaction and the teamwork with the recruitment panel were stellar. We were very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend Oxford HR in especially hiring for Co leaders.

Olga GhazaryanCo - Chair of the Board of Trustees, Womankind Worldwide

”We have worked with Oxford HR for a couple of years on senior appointments and have built up a good working relationship. For the International Director of Programmes recruitment, they gave us a really strong longlist and shortlist and did excellent job of the psychometric profiling too. Appointment was made on time and overall I am a happy client.

Danielle MorleyCEO, Bonsucro