Contract Development director jobs

About Us

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England.

We believe that we all benefit from a well-functioning early education system and we all have a role to play in ensuring it works for children, parents and the economy.

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in the UK. Our members include early years provider membership bodies, parent campaign groups, early childhood experts, trade unions, the business lobby, anti-poverty campaigners and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for early education and childcare. And it’s worked. Thanks to the dedication of our members, early years is one of the top priorities for the government’s Plan for Change.

But our work isn’t done – we have an ambitious agenda to ‘rescue and reform’ the system, ensuring that:

• Every child can access high-quality education and care that their parents can afford and that will support them to thrive
• Every provider is funded fairly for the places they offer
• Every early years professional is rewarded and recognised for the skilled work they do

This is an exciting time to join the Coalition. We have experienced significant growth in recent years and with early years firmly on the policy agenda, we expect this to continue.

We are now looking to appoint a Deputy Director to help steer that work and further drive the development of the Coalition. You will work closely with the Executive Director (ED) to lead our influencing work at the highest level, strengthening our policy platform, and ensuring we translate evidence into meaningful impact. At the same time, you will play a pivotal role in supporting a talented and experienced team and shape the continued growth of the Coalition as a charitable organisation.

About The Role

• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. We may consider 4 days per week.
• Duration: Two-year contract, renewed subject to funding.
• Location: Home-working but based in or near London.

· Salary: £62,000 - £64,170 per annum FTE

We are a remote team, with most colleagues based outside London. This role requires regular access to Westminster, so you will need to be based in or within easy reach of London.

We work flexibly and understand the realities of balancing work with caring commitments. We trust you to manage your time but expect that most of your hours are worked within core office hours to fulfil the requirements of the role. To support fluent remote working, we require all staff to work on Thursdays.

This is a dual role, delivering our policy, engagement and public affairs strategy while also supporting the Executive Director to grow the Coalition as an organisation and movement. You will play a central role in shaping the Coalition’s strategy, culture and growth. This is a senior, outward-facing role, suited to someone who can think strategically, build influence at the highest levels, and remain hands-on within a small and ambitious team.

About You

You are a senior public affairs professional with a strong track record of strategic influencing and engagement to shape policy. You bring robust judgement and credibility and are motivated by the opportunity to deliver meaningful change in a high-profile policy area and may have experience on public-service reform.

You are equally comfortable setting direction and delivering through others as you are rolling up your sleeves to respond to fast-moving political developments. You are a confident relationship-builder who can operate effectively at senior levels, while working collaboratively across a diverse coalition.

You should have previous experience of managing functions and teams and working in senior leadership teams. Ideally you will be live to the challenges of working in a small, but high-impact national organisation and have experience of scaling teams and functions.

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

• Executive leadership
  This will include supporting the ED with key senior stakeholder relationships including funders, ministers and policymakers. You will be required to deputise for the ED during periods of leave or when directed to do so. This is a pivotal role which straddles the executive and senior leadership functions. Consequently, you will be expected to make decisions that balance multiple interests and help scale and grow the Coalition as a sustainable organisation.
• Lead the Coalition’s policy and influencing function
  Work with the Senior Leadership Team and Coalition members to turn evidence into clear, credible policy positions and priorities, ensuring members are aligned, informed and able to contribute.
• Develop and deliver a cross-party influencing strategy
  Building on the Coalition’s profile, you will further nurture and maintain relationships with MPs, peers, special advisers, civil servants and key stakeholders, ensuring strong reach across Westminster, local government and the wider policy community.
• Maximise key moments for impact
  Identify and respond to opportunities in the parliamentary and policy cycle to maximise influence, including producing briefings, consultation responses and submissions.
• Oversee policy-related events to support engagement
  Lead activity such as events, roundtables and party conference attendance to strengthen the Coalition’s visibility and impact.
• Align policy, public affairs, research and communications
  Work closely with the Head of Communications and Campaigns, and the Associate Director of Research to ensure a joined-up approach across research, influencing, media and campaigning.
• Represent the Coalition externally
  Act as a senior spokesperson at high-level meetings, events, and in the media where appropriate.
• Strengthen how we measure impact
  Work with the Executive Director to further develop our impact framework, improving how we track, evaluate and communicate influence.
• Lead and develop the team
  Provide support to team members, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of leading a team or working at executive/senior leadership levels where you have managed budgets and had to make decisions related to organisational effectiveness. This should also include demonstrable experience of building and nurturing teams that can deliver an organisational strategy.
• Proven experience leading influencing functions in an advocacy or policy environment and delivering change
• Experience turning research and insight into clear, credible and persuasive policy positions.
• Knowledge of system change approaches, ideally within public service reform or similar
• Knowledge of how Government, Parliament, Whitehall, political parties and the wider policy community operate, and how to navigate them effectively.
• Able to operate confidently in complex, fast-moving and politically sensitive environments, working across party lines with diplomacy.
• Demonstrable experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with politicians, advisers, officials and sector leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high-quality briefings and representing organisations externally.
• Experience of supporting fundraising activities either through relationship-building or bid-writing.

Desirable

• Understanding of early education and childcare policy in England and the challenges currently facing the system.
• Experience working in or with coalitions, membership organisations or alliances.
• Proven ability to work flexibly as part of a small, remote team.

The application process

Please apply with a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) by the listed closing date. No agencies please. We recognise that the use of AI technologies can be useful in reducing the work that goes into job-hunting, however, we kindly request that you use your cover letter to evidence that you have understood the requirements of the role and provide examples of how you can meet the criteria.

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We use anonymous recruiting during the application process and we use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team.

We regret that our small team does not have capacity to provide individual feedback on every application.

Recruitment timeline

• Closing date: 23:30, Thursday 11th June. 
• Notified for interview by: Tuesday 16th June
• Interviews: We expect this to be a two-stage interview process with first interviews held on either 24th or 25th June and second stage interviews arranged an agreed time.

In the event that we don't receive suitable applications, we may extend this deadline and timeline.

Opportunity to contribute to a specialist think tank's leading-edge approach to integrating lived experience into reseach and policy influencing and support a growing migrant community of practice in Scotland.Migration Policy Scotland (MPS) is an independent charity. Our mission is to build a better migration future for everyone. We offer principled, effective solutions to confront the challenges and harness the benefits and opportunities migration brings. Our work combines learned and lived experience grounded in the realities of migration in Scotland.

MPS pioneers an approach that integrates migrant lived experience into research-driven policy influencing. With funding from The National Lottery Community Action Fund we are working to further develop and embed this area of activity and to grow our migrant community of practice. We are committed to support the work of our Migrant Lived Experience Panel. We will shortly be launching the first year of our new Capacity Building and Leadership Development Programme for migrants and migrant community organisations, alongside continuing to develop of our migrant community of practice.

We are seeking a part-time participation officer (0.3 FTE) to support our senior staff in the delivery of this important and ambitious work.

Potential candidates for this role are likely to have a background in community engagement and/or volunteer support and familiarity with social research methods. Preferably some of this experience will be in the migration sector. You may be seeking to combine this role with other third sector activities or be enrolled on an ongoing postgraduate degree programme. We are open to considering all applications that meet the ‘Essential criteria’ listed below. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of migration.

Job Description:

The participation officer will:

• · Support the development of a training offer to build capacity and leadership among migrants and migrant community organisations in Scotland.
• · Assist in the development and delivery of a bespoke curriculum and the organisation and running of training sessions.
• · Take a leading role in ensuring that the training offer is widely advertised to an appropriate audience and in the recruitment and selection of participants.
• · Design and assist in recording and analysing feedback and evaluation from training programme participants.
• · Provide ongoing engagement with and support to our Migrant Lived Experience Panel members.
• · Support a recruitment, application and selection process for a new group of Migrant Lived Experience Panel members.
• · Facilitate the co-development of projects through supporting inclusive communication and proactive engagement with prospective partners and participants, including through co-development workshops.
• · Contribute to the drafting of project proposals and funding applications.
• · Support the work of the Director and Associate Director in all aspects of the project, working as part of a small, busy team.

Further details are in the downloadable application pack.

Please submit your application via the CharityJob website.

This is a pivotal role at National Numeracy, helping to ensure our people, systems and processes enable the
successful delivery of our mission to improve numeracy across the UK.

As a key member of the operations function, you will work closely with the Operations & Impact Director to
strengthen organisational effectiveness, support colleagues across the organisation and help drive
continuous improvement in the way we work.

During this maternity cover period, a particular focus will be supporting the ongoing development and
adoption of our CRM and operational systems, ensuring they provide robust information, efficient processes
and an excellent user experience. You will also play a central role in maintaining effective governance,
supporting our people practices and helping to foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational
culture.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys improving systems, enabling others to do their best work and
helping mission-driven organisations operate effectively and sustainably.

The postholder will also provide line management and support to one team member, helping to ensure their
development, wellbeing and contribution to organisational objectives.

The role is a maternity leave cover with an ideal start date in August 2026 and an anticipated end date of
31st July 2027. It would be suitable for either 4 or 5 days per week.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

About us

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.

This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as we anticipate the implementation of new homelessness legislation that holds the potential to be world leading and seek to develop relationships with the newly elected Senedd and Welsh Government.

You will lead our agenda in Wales to achieve positive and lasting change to end homelessness. This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as the Wales Government introduces homelessness prevention legislation that will be world leading.

Location: Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA14DQ. Option of hybrid working from home (minimum 1 day a week in the Skylight) with the ability to travel across Wales and within the UK for training and meetings.

Contract: Fixed term up to 11 months (available as a secondment)

Salary: £57,452 per annum

About the role

As Head of Policy and Communications in Wales you will lead a team working across policy, public affairs and communications to deliver the changes needed to address homelessness in Wales. After the formation of a new government in Wales, this role will be working closely with politicians, government officials, sector leads, and people with lived experience of homelessness to ensure Crisis’ goal of ending all forms of homelessness in Wales is a priority and bring about the changes needed to meet this goal.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have excellent knowledge and experience of developing and securing policy change at a national government level and raising the profile of an organisation through advocacy and strategic communications.

Ideally you will have experience across policy, public affairs and media work, and excel at building stakeholder relations. You will be an experienced spokesperson and understand how to communicate policy matters in a simple and concise way. You will have understanding and knowledge of developing policy and influencing objectives informed by frontline staff and working with people with lived experience of an issue and staff.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 14th June at 23:59

Interview date and location: Friday 26th June, in-person at Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

For more information about our work please visit

@Crisis_Cymru on Instagram

@CrisisWales on X

Crisis Skylight South Wales on Facebook

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094