Head of education and learning jobs

St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged 16–25. We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of College to join our College Leadership Team (CLT).

About the Role

As Deputy Head of College, you will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the College. Working closely with the Head of College, you will drive the quality of education, ensuring that all learners receive a high-quality, ambitious and personalised curriculum that prepares them for adulthood.

You will lead on the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and will contribute to the development and delivery of the College's strategic vision. This is a highly influential role, supporting the alignment of education, health and care provision while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the College, contributing to long-term planning and vision
• Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum aligned to learner needs and EHCP outcomes
• Drive high standards in teaching, learning and assessment through effective leadership and performance management
• Oversee curriculum planning, timetabling and delivery, ensuring consistency across provision, including off-site learning
• Lead on external accreditation and RARPA, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and reporting of learner progress
• Monitor learner outcomes and use data to inform decision-making, interventions and improvement planning
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including families, local authorities and partner organisations
• Support safeguarding across the College, contributing to DSL responsibilities and a strong culture of safety and wellbeing
• Ensure effective operational management, including staffing structures, resource allocation and day-to-day systems
• Deputise for the Head of College as required

About You

We are looking for a confident and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people.

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree (or equivalent)
• Experience of leading teaching, learning and curriculum development within a SEND or specialist setting
• Strong understanding of autism, SEND legislation, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high performance
• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills
• A commitment to inclusive practice, equality and learner-centred approaches

You will be resilient, collaborative and driven to deliver continuous improvement, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery.

Why Join St John's College?

• Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation
• Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success
• Play a key role in shaping the future of education for autistic young people
• Access high-quality training and professional development opportunities

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal.

Informal visit to setting/main college site - Ongoing through June 2026

Candidates informed of application outcome - 01st July

Interviews - Tuesday 07th July 2026 

Start Date-  January 2027 or earlier 

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Documents

• Deputy Head - JD - St Johns - June 2026.pdf (0.57 MB)

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Adult Learning, Skills and Employment to join our Senior Management Team and lead one of our core service areas.

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a wide-ranging, community-based service that supports local residents to develop skills, confidence and pathways into employment. Bringing together our Community Education & Training provision and Employment & Careers services, the role is responsible for ensuring a cohesive offer that supports hundreds of individuals each year from community learning through to work.

A core element of our provision is the delivery of high-quality adult learning, including functional skills (English, maths and ICT), ESOL, community wellbeing, family learning, pathways to employment and selected vocational courses. Our services are shaped by both community need and funding priorities and continue to evolve in response to local demand and emerging opportunities.

Employment support also forms an integral part of our wider offer, both through embedded progression support within Adult Education provision and through separately funded programmes for priority groups, including younger jobseekers (18–24) and older residents (50+). This requires a flexible and responsive approach to programme development, partnership working and service delivery.

Our current provision is primarily funded through Lambeth Adult Learning and the Greater London Authority, with a combined annual budget of approximately £750,000 per year. A significant focus of the role will be overseeing the successful delivery of these contracts and services, ensuring high-quality provision, strong performance and meaningful progression outcomes for residents.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in managing complex community-based programmes, including adult learning and/or employment support
• A proven track record of leading teams and delivering against funded contracts
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
• A strategic but practical approach, with the ability to balance delivery with long-term service development
• A commitment to improving outcomes for local residents

Why join High Trees?

At High Trees, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We are a supportive and collaborative organisation where people are encouraged to grow, develop and contribute to the wider direction of our work. Our benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, pension contributions, and access to employee support.

This role offers the opportunity to shape a key service area at an exciting point of development, working alongside a committed team to deliver meaningful outcomes for local residents. You will play a central role in strengthening pathways into employment and ensuring our services continue to respond to the needs of the community.

Due to the nature of our services and the importance of community-based delivery, this role is primarily office based and will suit someone who is passionate about working within community settings and building strong relationships with residents, partners and colleagues. While we are committed to supporting flexibility where possible, the majority of the role will be delivered in person across our services and community venues.

Coin Street Nursery is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our friendly and dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating fresh, nutritious meals from scratch and is committed to promoting healthy eating for young children.

While experience in a nursery or similar setting is desirable, it is not essential. We welcome candidates with strong catering experience in preparing meals at scale who share our values around nutrition and quality.

We operate a busy nursery, preparing meals for up to 80 children and staff daily. The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to manage their own workload, and committed to maintaining high standards across all areas of the kitchen.

We are proud of our 5-star food hygiene rating and our excellent standards of cleanliness. Maintaining health and safety, food hygiene, and compliance will be central to your role. Working within a set budget, you will also be responsible for effective menu planning, stock control, and food purchasing, ensuring meals remain fresh, healthy, and varied.

You will play a key role in meeting the diverse dietary needs of our children. A strong understanding of allergies, intolerances, and special diets is essential to ensure every child receives safe, high-quality meals.
You will be supported by a part-time kitchen assistant; however, you will retain overall responsibility for the kitchen, including end-of-day cleaning and organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals for children and staff
• Manage kitchen operations, including ordering, stock control, and budgeting
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety
• Cater for a range of dietary requirements, including allergies and cultural preferences
• Lead and organise daily kitchen activities effectively

We are looking for a Head Chef who can demonstrate:

• A current Food Hygiene Certificate
• Significant experience preparing a wide range of meals in a non-domestic setting for large groups, ideally including young children
• Experience in menu planning, ordering, and stock management 
• Strong knowledge of dietary requirements, food hygiene, and health & safety 
• Good literacy, numeracy, and budget management skills 
• The ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues and children 
• A proactive approach to contributing to service development, including diverse and culturally inclusive menus

Creating an inspirational neighbourhood
We provide the opportunities and spaces for people to lead their own change.

Our activities are wide and far reaching. From giving families and children the best start in life through our childcare and family support, to creating and maintaining high quality live, work and play spaces on land which we own.

We promote enterprise, creativity and lifelong learning whether that’s through providing employment, volunteering opportunities, nurturing enterprise or delivering programmes and activities.  We provide housing that supports our community; we champion co-operative housing and influence local and national housing policy.

From sports and dance to healthy eating and gardening, we offer a range of facilities and activities accessible to everyone to support health and wellbeing in our community.

In return, we can offer you:

• 35 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata for part time staff
• 8% contributory pension scheme (5% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution)
• Health and wellbeing support, including online mental health therapy sessions
• Free gym membership at Colombo, annual flu jabs
• Commitment to training and development

Contract
Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Salary
£33,000 per annum

To Apply
To apply, please download and complete the application form. Once completed, submit your application via email. Please visit our website if you require more info.

Due to Safer Recruitment guidance, please note that additional documents, such as CVs, will not be considered.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. 

Closing Date
Please send your application by midnight on 21 June 2026

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

A rare opportunity to lead communications and brand for one of the UK’s leading education trusts.

As Head of Communications and Brand at the Harris Federation, you will shape and protect our public profile, leading strategic communications, marketing and media activity across a network of 55 academies.

Reporting to the CEO, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, driving brand consistency, overseeing high impact campaigns, and leading digital, PR and internal communications to support pupil recruitment, staff attraction and organisational growth. You will also build and lead a high performing MarComms function and manage external agency partnerships.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll bring the Harris story to life - showcasing our impact, strengthening our reputation, and helping us navigate sector challenges with clarity and credibility.

If you are a senior communications leader with a strong track record in brand, digital and stakeholder engagement, and are passionate about making a difference to young people’s futures - we’d love to hear from you.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership & Executive Advisory

• Develop and lead the Federation’s external communications and brand strategy at the highest level, ensuring coherence across all academies and central services.
• Act as an adviser to the CEO and executive team on internal and external communications.

Brand Leadership

• Own and embed the Federation’s brand identity, values, and visual standards across all academies and external channels.
• Own and embed brand guidelines, tone of voice, and messaging across all channels to ensure consistency.

External Campaigns & Growth Marketing

• Create comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with the Federations aims and increase brand awareness.
• Own and develop high impact external campaigns to support pupil recruitment, reputation and trust building, staff recruitment (in collaboration with Talent Acquisition), and new academy expansions.

MarComms Directorate Leadership

• Build and lead a high performing Marketing & Communications Directorate.
• Set long-term capability requirements and lead workforce planning as the function scales.

For a full list of responsibilities, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media or related field.
• Professional Marketing qualification (CIM or equivalent)
• Evidence of CPD in digital marketing, SEO, or communications.
• Significant experience in marketing, communications, or digital strategy.
• Experience managing brand identity and external communications
• Experience in education, charity or public sector.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, SEO, Analytics, and social media best practice.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong design awareness and understanding of visual identity.
• Proficiency with CMS platforms, social media tools, and analytics software.

For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. 

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

About us

The Sir Martin Gilbert Learning Centre is an educational charity whose mission is to educate young people about who Jews are and the contributions they have made to society. Our free workshops are integrated with the National Curriculum and rooted in academic research. Since launching in January 2024, we've reached over 5,800 students and built partnerships with schools across England, Scotland and Wales.

We're now entering an ambitious phase of growth, developing deeper relationships with select Focus Schools and building towards a national reach of 25,000 students per year.

The role

This is far more than a management job. As our first School Partnerships Manager, you'll lead our outreach to schools and play a central role in shaping how the Centre develops and grows. Working closely with the Director, you'll drive the number of schools accessing our programmes, deepen relationships with existing partners, and help design our Focus School programme from the ground up.

You'll spend your time:

• Building and stewarding relationships with teachers, heads of department, and senior school leaders
• Proactively identifying and contacting prospective partner schools through outreach, networking and events
• Managing the full partnership lifecycle, from first contact through booking, delivery and follow-up
• Shaping our Focus School programme and contributing ideas for curriculum development
• Representing the Centre at conferences and educational events

This job is for you if…

• You have experience working directly in or with schools, and understand what motivates teachers and senior leaders
• You've worked in relationship management, outreach, partnership development, sales or business development
• You're a confident, persuasive communicator - comfortable on outreach calls, in writing, and presenting in person
• You're self-motivated, well organised, and thrive in a small, ambitious team
• You're genuinely committed to our mission and excited to help shape a young charity at a pivotal moment
• You're committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

Regional Lead – TechFirst (South East)

Salary: £43,000

Help shape the future of technology education across the South East.

Are you a skilled programme manager who enjoys building partnerships, leading teams, and delivering impactful programmes?

We're looking for a Regional Lead to oversee delivery of the TechFirst programme across the South East. Reporting to the Senior Regional Lead, you will be responsible for coordinating delivery activity, managing a team of three colleagues, and ensuring schools, employers, and partners receive an excellent experience.

Based from home with regular travel across the South East and into our London (E1) office and occasional travel to our York head office, this is an exciting opportunity to lead local delivery of a nationally significant programme designed to improve young people's access to technology skills and careers.

About Us

STEM Learning’s vision is a world-leading STEM education for all young people across the UK. We are dedicated to improving young people’s lives through the power of STEM and believe great STEM education builds knowledge and skills that are vital for everyone.

To achieve this, we provide a range of support to formal and informal education, including subject-specific professional development for teachers and other educators, quality assured resources, support for STEM Clubs, and student-facing experiences. We also lead the STEM Ambassadors programme, which enables 28,000 volunteers to share their enthusiasm and expertise with young people and teachers throughout the UK via classroom activities, career talks, etc.

TechFirst is a new national, government funded programme connecting young people with employers, volunteers, technology professionals, and education partners to inspire future careers and develop the skills needed for tomorrow's workforce.

We believe every young person should have access to high-quality technology education and meaningful opportunities to engage with the world of work.

Our Ideal Candidate

· You will have experience delivering programmes within education, careers, skills, youth engagement, or related sectors.

· You will be an effective people manager with excellent organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities.

· You will be comfortable building relationships with a range of stakeholders and using data to drive performance and improvement.

· Most importantly, you will be passionate about creating opportunities for young people and helping them access exciting futures in technology.

By joining us, you’ll:

Contribute to exciting, high-profile STEM initiatives that have a lasting impact on students and employers alike.

Work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to shaping the future of STEM careers.

Be supported by a collaborative and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

Gain the opportunity to grow professionally.

Our Benefits

30 days holidays plus bank holidays (plus your birthday)

Access to an attractive pension scheme

Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week

Up to 3 paid volunteering leave days per year

A comprehensive employee assistance programme

Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more

Location

South East England (with regular travel across the sub-region and London and occasional travel to York).  This role will be working from home.

Next Steps

Click to apply and you will be directed to our website.

You will be asked to submit your CV and a cover letter explaining what interested you in the role and why you think you are our ideal candidate.

Closing date 9am - 19th June 2026

1st stage interviews: w/c 22nd June and 29th June (online)

2nd stage: Full day assessment centre - Thursday 9th July (in person in London)

Head of Grants

We are seeking an experienced grants leader to shape and deliver an ambitious funding strategy that expands access to outdoor learning, green skills and land-based education across the UK.

Position: Head of Grants
Salary: £50,000 to £53,000 per annum
Location: Quenington, Gloucestershire with hybrid working considered
Hours: 35 hours per week, full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 17 June 2026

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to lead and develop a strategic grant-making programme focused on increasing equitable access to outdoor learning, land-based education and green skills.

Reporting to the Director of Learning, you will oversee the full grants lifecycle, ensuring funding programmes deliver meaningful impact while responding to environmental, social and educational priorities. You will also play a key role in building partnerships, influencing the wider sector and helping to shape future funding approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of the organisation's grants strategy
• Overseeing grant programmes from design through to evaluation and learning
• Building strategic partnerships with funders, policymakers and sector organisations
• Developing collaborative networks that strengthen the voice and influence of the sector
• Embedding equitable, trust-based and relationship-driven funding approaches
• Championing youth participation and ensuring lived experience informs decision-making
• Using insight, learning and evidence to improve grant-making effectiveness
• Managing budgets, resources and operational planning
• Providing leadership, support and development to a high-performing team
• Contributing to organisational strategy as a member of the senior leadership team

About You

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience in grant-making and partnership development.

You will have:

• Strong experience leading strategic grant-making programmes
• Excellent knowledge of land-based sectors
• Experience of youth engagement, participation or leadership development
• A track record of building successful partnerships and cross-sector collaborations
• Experience using evidence, learning and insight to inform decision-making
• Outstanding communication, influencing and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and reporting abilities
• A commitment to equity, inclusion and widening access to opportunities
• The ability to lead, inspire and develop teams

You will also bring a proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, together with a genuine passion for creating positive change through education and connection with nature.

About the Organisation

The organisation is one of the UK’s leading outdoor learning charities, helping children and young people connect with nature, develop skills and improve life opportunities through learning from the land. Rooted in the conservation and stewardship of the countryside, the charity manages significant estates while supporting environmental sustainability, partnerships and community impact across the UK.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Funding, Head of Programmes, Grants Director, Funding Director, Head of Partnerships, Director of Impact, Director of Programmes, Head of Philanthropy, Funding and Partnerships Manager, Strategic Programmes Manager, Trusts and Foundations Lead, Head of Social Impact. #INDNFP

If you are an experienced grants professional looking to influence strategy, build partnerships and create lasting impact through education and nature-based learning, we would love to hear from you.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People. 

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential treatment centre near Reading for men struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. We are seeking someone strategic and relational to strengthen and develop all aspects of fundraising for Yeldall Manor, and to lead a new marketing and fundraising campaign. The appointee will join our senior leadership team and shape the next chapter of our development as we are at a pivotal moment of opportunity, with an ambitious vision to build our Christ-centred identity and practice, pursue excellence and impact, and expand our reach.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Lead supporter acquisition activities and build the portfolio of individuals, churches, trusts, corporates and other organisations supporting the work of Yeldall Manor.
• Build deep, mission-aligned partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
• Lead and implement an effective marketing and communications strategy to help position Yeldall Manor within the top tier of UK residential rehab centres.
• Lead and execute a high-impact fundraising strategy across major gifts, individual giving, churches, trusts & foundations, corporates, and legacies.
• Work closely with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to align income generation with Yeldall Manor’s strategic vision and programme outputs.
• Lead the development of funding applications for trusts & foundations.
• Provide leadership and nurture staff working on supporter acquisition, fundraising and marketing activities, empowering them to deliver with excellence.
• Inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout the organisation, rooted in strong values and relational excellence

You will be working alongside the existing Administration and Supporter Relations Manager, and other staff assisting with marketing and administration, based mainly at Yeldall Manor, which means you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them.

Please see the Job Description for full details and submit a covering letter along with your CV showing how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification. As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact CEO, Maarten Fontein or Administration Manager, Sue Hedger - contact details available on our website, which is currently under development.

​

We are seeking a strong and motivated leader, who is passionate about seeing lives transformed, to become our Head of Services (Programmes). In this strategic senior role, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to provide stable leadership to staff and residents in the delivery of the day-to-day leadership of the organisation and residential addiction recovery / resettlement programmes. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help lead and motivate the organisation through transformational change to more effectively and sustainably deliver our mission – to help those affected by addiction to heal, transform, and thrive.

Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills are essential. As a Christian charity, we bring our faith to the work we do and the men we work with, so you will be someone with a deep-rooted Christian faith, able to lead and inspire others in their own faith journeys, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all key decisions. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Your role, in this committed team of 40+ staff, requires balancing management responsibilities alongside a more hands-on approach, including significant contact with our residents. Seeing them undergo the process of transformation, with all the joys and challenges that entails, is what makes our work worthwhile – a tremendous encouragement.

To apply: Please view the full job description and person specification. When you’re ready to apply, click the ‘Apply now’ button to begin your online application, submitting a covering letter, CV and screening question.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact CEO, Maarten Fontein or Administration Manager, Sue Hedger - contact details on our website, which is currently under development.

Closing date: 23.30 Sunday 14th June 2026

Closing date: 16th June 2026 Interviews: 19th June 2026

This role leads a new flagship grants and strategic activity programme - a national outdoor play partnership supporting community foundations to deliver risky, adventurous and child-directed play opportunities for children aged 0–12 in up to 20 places across the UK. You will work in the UK Community Foundations team, the national backbone, co-ordinating and convening the wider partnership. The minimum £10m programme (likely larger) runs from June 2026 through November 2031, is delivered with seed funding from an anonymous lead funder. 

You will be accountable for the day-to-day running of the programme. That means managing the relationship with the lead funder, overseeing delivery across the four-outcomes learning framework, coordinating the national learning and influence backbone, building and maintaining sector relationships, and ensuring the programme is delivered on time, on budget and to consistently high standards. 

Alongside the programme, you will also support wider partnerships activity and act as a point of expertise on children and young people. You will advise the Partnerships team on CYP matters, provide a credible internal source of guidance on safeguarding, and keep UKCF abreast of policy and sector developments so we are well positioned to support community foundations to design and deliver further CYP-focused partnerships. 

You do not need to have worked in community foundations before. We are interested in people who combine substantial programme leadership experience - ideally within funding or grant making, though other types of programme delivery are likely to be relevant - with credible CYP sector knowledge, and the confidence to balance delivery, stakeholder relationships, sector influence and partnership support across a complex multi-year portfolio. 

The Partnerships & Insight team designs and delivers UKCF's national partnerships, brings new funding into the community foundation network, and grows our influence on the policy and funding environment community foundations operate in. This role sits at the heart of all of that, and gives you a broad view across the sector, the network and the wider VCSE landscape. 

We know that good programme leadership depends on different perspectives, lived experiences and ways of working. We encourage applications from people who may not meet every requirement but feel excited by the role and believe they could grow into it. 

Your portfolio 

You will hold responsibility for two connected areas. 

Programme management (0.65 FTE) 

You will lead the end-to-end delivery of the programme across four outcomes - Reach & Access; Quality & Character of Play; Lasting Local Capacity; National Evidence, Learning & Influence - and the operational layer that sits behind them. You will lead programme planning, budget management, risk management and quality assurance, working closely with the Director of Partnerships & Insight. 

You will manage the relationship with the lead funder, and any subsequent funders that come on board, including reporting, milestone delivery, board updates and stewardship of the partnership over the full grant period. You will also oversee community foundation onboarding, contracting, ongoing relationship management and convening across the cohort of around 20 delivery partners. 

You will coordinate the national backbone of the programme – participating community foundations, learning partner, expert panellists, sector relationships, and the dissemination of evidence and influence outputs - and oversee learning outputsagainst the programme's two-layer tracking architecture. 

You will build and maintain relationships that lead to the change the programme seeks to achieve and supports a potential continuation funding pipeline. You will represent UKCF and the programme externally - with funders, government, sector bodies and international peers, including our peers at community foundations in Canada.

Wider partnerships and CYP responsibilities (0.35 FTE) 

You will support the Director of Partnerships and the wider team on general partnership matters, pitching in at crunch points and offering senior advice and leadership on design and delivery. 

You will act as UKCF's internal point of information on safeguarding for children and young people, supporting the Partnerships team and wider colleagues to apply appropriate standards across CYP-related programmes and proposals. Training will be provided.

You will keep UKCF abreast of CYP sector developments - policy, funding landscape, research and practice - and translate these into practical advice for partnerships and field-building work. You will advise the team on CYP matters during pipeline development, scoping and proposal-writing, making sure new opportunities are well grounded in current sector knowledge. 

You will build and maintain relationships with key CYP sector bodies, funders and expert networks to position UKCF as a credible, well-informed partner in the children and young people space, and you will contribute to UKCF's wider thought leadership and external profile on CYP, including occasional speaking, writing and convening. 

Your wider responsibilities 

Like everyone at UKCF, you will work closely with colleagues across the organisation. You will partner with Communications, Finance, Field Building and other teams to support wider organisational activity, contribute to the development of the Partnerships & Insight team and to UKCF's culture, standards and ways of working, and take on other reasonable duties commensurate with the role. 

What you will bring 

We are looking for someone who combines substantial programme leadership with credible CYP sector knowledge, and who is comfortable holding the whole of a complex programme in view while making sound day-to-day decisions. You might recognise yourself in some, but not necessarily all, of the following. 

• Programme leadership and judgement - able to hold a complex, multi-year programme in view while making sound day-to-day decisions. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, adapted confidently for funders, government, community foundations, sector peers and internal audiences. 

• Diplomatic, confident and effective relationship-building and influence with senior and varied stakeholders. 

• Proactive problem-solving - acting on initiative, diagnosing issues early and proposing practical solutions. 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple deadlines and priorities across a complex portfolio. 

• Creativity, flexibility and intuition, with a willingness to adapt your approach as the programme evolves. 

• Commitment to learning and improvement, including reflecting on your own practice and seeking continual development. 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and climate justice, and interest in how these values shape programme design, participation and whose voices are heard. 

Essential experience 

• Senior programme leadership: substantial experience leading voluntary and community sectormulti-year, multi-partner programmes, including accountability for budget, delivery and outcomes. 

• Children and young people sector expertise: strong working knowledge of the CYP landscape - policy, funding, practice - and credibility with sector stakeholders. 

• Safeguarding: confident acting as an internal point of information on safeguarding, with a basic or good understanding of safeguarding standards in CYP-related work, and willingness to undertake further training.

• Stakeholder management: experience managing significant relationships, including reporting, stewardship and the negotiation of programme changes. 

• Charity or non-profit setting: understanding of values-driven work and the operating norms of the voluntary sector. 

• Data, impact and learning: able to interpret quantitative and qualitative information, undertake basic and intermediate analysis, and oversee a learning partner, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Understanding of the norms of impact and learning in the voluntary and community sector.

• Relationship management: builds trust with funders, peers, partners and delivery organisations; offers diplomatic, credible guidance. 

• Digital, CRM and AI confidence: confident across Office 365 and  AI tools (or have started to experiment with them) to support efficient working and free up more time for relationship building. Motivated to use AI, and to do so mindfully, responsibly, ethically and to increase impact. 

• Ability to travel occasionally, which may include overnight stays and multi-day events. 

Desirable experience 

• Grant making and funding, particularly relational or participatory approaches; systems change or place-based approaches to community impact; or asset-based community development and community-led programmes. 

• Working with community foundations or place-based funding structures. 

• Play, early years, youth work, education or related CYP fields. 

• Designing and delivering co-design, collaboration or systems-change activity. 

• Contributing to policy or sector influence. 

• Developing AI tools within a VCSE context, and understanding of AI ethics and the unique VCSE context around AI - or an interest in this topic. 

• Securing continuation or follow-on funding for complex programmes. 

Inclusion statement 

UK Community Foundations is committed to building an inclusive organisation and a diverse field. We welcome applications from people from minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and others who are underrepresented in the charity and philanthropy sector. 

Main Role & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all programme activity, ensuring all activity is delivered and evaluated effectively and in alignment with organisational goals.  

The successful candidate will lead and develop programme teams and oversee engagement, planning and delivery, and monitor risk and opportunities. They will develop strong relationships representing the organisation externally, and ensure programmes demonstrate clear impact and meet quality standards.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead all programme activity and ensure alignment with organisational goals
• Translate vision and strategic goals into actionable programme, content and priorities
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact
• Contribute to wider organisational strategy and oversee the operationalisation of strategic goals
• Work closely with other heads of services to support strategic development

Programme Development & Design

• Oversee the development and evolution of programmes, content, and resources
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, relevant, and high quality, aligning with quality standards, working closely with the insights team
• Lead needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to understand programme needs
• Embed inclusivity, accessibility, and best practice in all programme design

Programme Delivery & Operations

• Oversee the planning, implementation and delivery of all programmes
• Develop systems, processes, and timelines for consistent execution
• Manage programme budgets and resource allocation
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery
• Identify opportunities for commercialisation of products and services

Performance, Monitoring & Impact Measurement

• Define KPIs and success metrics aligned to organisational outcomes
• Analyse data to assess programme effectiveness and impact
• Use insights to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions
• Report on performance to senior leadership, funders, and stakeholders

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with:

• • Partners and collaborators
  • Funders and commissioners
  • Community or beneficiary groups
• Represent the organisation externally at meetings, events, and networks
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships to enhance programme reach

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the delivery leadership team
• Participate in strategic development and oversee work within delivery and impact portfolio
• Work closely with other heads of services to provide support to the SLT
• Set clear objectives, expectations, and performance standards
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Quality Assurance & Governance

• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and organisational policies
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding requirements
• Oversee documentation, reporting, and accountability processes

Resource & Content Oversight

• Ensure the development of high-quality programme materials and resources
• Oversee content consistency, branding, and alignment with organisational values
• Ensure resources are accessible and effectively utilised

Financial Oversight

• Manage programme budgets and ensure cost-effective delivery
• Monitor expenditure and ensure alignment with funding requirements
• Support fundraising and contribute to funding proposals as required

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Work with Insight and Innovation team to stay informed of sector trends and best practices
• Encourage innovation in programme design and delivery
• Pilot and scale new approaches based on evidence and feedback

· Oversee development of all programmes and associated content and resources

Person Specification 

Essential

· Educated to degree level or have the equivalent experience

· A detailed understanding of education, Health and Social Care and family services and how to engage these sectors

· Confident leader with previous demonstrable experience in overseeing multiple programmes or portfolios with matrix management experience

· Proven track record of developing, delivering, and scaling programmes with measurable impact

· Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including partners, funders, and communities

· Experience managing budgets and resources effectively

· Experience of delivering regional and national programmes

· Strong understanding of programme design, delivery, and lifecycle management

· Understanding of partnership working and stakeholder engagement approaches

· Awareness of relevant policy, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements

· Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans

· Excellent planning, organisational, and project management skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex programmes simultaneously

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive continuous improvement

· Ability to define KPIs and measure programme success effectively

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams through coaching and performance management

· Strong commitment to quality, impact, and continuous improvement

· Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

· High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism

· Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and changing environment

· Passionate about the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable

· Experience of working in gambling harms prevention sector or another similar or related field

· Experience of operationalising strategic plans

· Experience in developing harm prevention programmes and or interventions

· Knowledge of sector trends, innovation, and best practice

· Leadership qualification

· An understanding of public health frameworks and approach to harm prevention

· An understanding of PSHE, PSE, Learning for Life and Work

This is an exciting opportunity for a Head of Development and Alumnae Relations to lead our Development and Alumnae Relations department. 

This post is the continuation of an exciting journey that has seen the Development and Alumnae Relations Department grow into a vibrant and extensive network of supporters. Your dynamic and creative approach will strengthen the school’s already outstanding commitment to bursary provision by growing successful fundraising, thereby ensuring that talented young students, whatever their financial background, have the opportunity to flourish in the life-changing education that JAGS offers. Our bursary provision is central to the school’s ethos, with around 17% of the Senior School students receiving financial support for their studies at an annual cost of around £3m.

We are looking for a well-qualified graduate to join this exceptional staff body, and the successful candidate will bring their own individuality to this warm and supportive department. Excellent interpersonal skills, a readiness to engage with potential donors, parents, alumnae and school staff, and the ability to contribute to the school’s strategic aims are essential attributes. The successful candidate will fully understand the importance and significance of the school’s long-established provision of bursaries, and just how unique this is to our school’s ethos.

In addition, the Head of Development and Alumnae Relations will lead the JAGS Alumnae Association through the stewardship of our extensive alumnae network, leading a dynamic programme of events and engagement with these important stakeholders.

We offer:

• The opportunity to join our outstanding school where public examination results consistently place JAGS amongst the leading schools in the UK  

• A community of considerate, creative and compassionate students and staff  

• A highly diverse and inclusive school community, committed to our bursary provision  

• An inspiring and enthusiastic team of colleagues across the teaching and support staff  

• Excellent facilities, including the latest resources to support learning  

• A diverse benefits package including:

• Competitive salary
• Support Staff Pension scheme with 10% employer contributions
• Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity pay
• Free onsite parking and bicycle storage
• Free gym membership with discounted family rates
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free lunches, teas and coffee all year round
• Free access to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
• School fee discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Cycle hire scheme
• Interest-free computer loans
• Interest-free transport season ticket loans

With its distinctive heritage as the oldest independent girls’ school in London, James Allen’s Girls’ School provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1200 girls aged 4 to 18. Located in the London borough of Southwark, JAGS has a diverse school community and is committed to inclusion in the workplace. 

Our school aims, both in and out of the classroom, are clear:

• To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
• To champion social awareness and sustainability 
• To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student 
• To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
• To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals

If this matches your vision, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

How to apply: 

We recognise that celebrating the full diversity of staff and students has a positive impact on all and invite applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.

If you are interested in joining us, please complete the online application form via MyNewTerm.  CVs and covering letters sent via email will not be accepted.

Closing Date: Midday on Monday 8 June 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 8 June 2026

Interviews may be held at any stage after applications are received. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified deadline, if a suitable candidate is found.

JAGS is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and overseas police and regulatory authorities where relevant.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Flexible/Remote, with monthly co-working days in London

Salary: £47,000 - £50,000 

Hours: Full time; 37.5 hours a week, We are happy to consider requests for flexible or part time working 

Contract: Permanent 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Role overview 

Now Teach is looking for our first Head of Impact as we embark on an exciting new organisational strategy to understand, articulate and maximise our impact. In this pivotal role, you will lead the ongoing development of Now Teach’s monitoring, evaluation and learning, ensuring we are able to clearly evidence our impact, evaluate and strengthen our approaches, drive continuous improvement and strengthen the case for career changers in teaching. 

We have identified four key areas of impact delivered by our network of Now Teachers and are now in the process of defining overarching organisational impact metrics and building our measurement systems. You will take on this role at a key point in our impact journey, embedding our strategic impact framework and strengthening our internal impact capabilities.  

You will refine and evolve our impact approach to drive continuous improvement across the charity and inform future programme design. Working closely with teams across the organisation, you will help embed a strong culture of learning, reflection and evidence‑led decision‑making. 

This role is a key member of the Now Teach leadership team and plays an integral part in evaluating progress against our strategy, sharing insight and learning with trustees, funders and other stakeholders. 

This is a strategic, hands‑on role, working in partnership with Recruitment, Network, Communications, Philanthropy and wider teams. You will also work closely with the Data Manager to ensure the collection, management and use of high‑quality data that underpins credible and compelling impact evidence. 

In this role you will……  

Impact strategy & measurement 

• You will represent Now Teach externally on impact and evaluation, strengthening our reputation as a credible, evidence-led organisation and building partnerships that enhance our influence and learning across the sector. 

• Lead the further development, ongoing refinement and implementation of the charity’s theory of change

• Design and develop the monitoring and evaluation approach to underpin delivery of our Network Impact Framework 

• Ensure outcomes and indicators align with the charity’s mission, strategic priorities and funder requirements. 

• Work closely with the Data Manager to ensure data collection processes, systems and outputs are robust, consistent and of high quality, ensuring data collection opportunities are maximised 

• Contribute to the development of our surveys, to ensure robust data is captured to evidence and inform strategic priorities against our impact model. 

• Embed impact measurement, insight and learning into organisational planning and decision making. 

• Identify and action external research opportunities and priorities, leading on relationships with external research bodies and managing ongoing research projects 

• Support the development and continuous improvement of data/impact dashboards to share insight and learnings across organisation 

Learning & Continuous Improvement 

• Develop and strengthen our approach to sharing learning internally, ensuring insight is used to drive continuous improvement and great decision making. 

• Strengthen and further develop Now Teach’s monitoring, evaluation and impact systems, ensuring they are proportionate, effective and used in practice. 

• Identify insights and trends that support continuous improvement and work collaboratively across teams to act on learning. 

• Support teams to test, refine and improve approaches based on evidence and evaluation findings. 

• Act as a business partner and internal consultant, supporting teams to interpret data, reflect on findings and apply learning to their work, producing key recommendations for particular teams on an agreed basis and facilitating next steps with relevant Directors. 

Strategic Reporting and Strengthening our case for support 

• Lead on the production of high‑quality impact reporting for a range of stakeholders, including trustees and funders, and responsible for the annual impact report. 

• Work closely with the Philanthropy and Communications teams to ensure impact evidence strengthens Now Teach’s narrative and case for support, and that we fulfil our impact measurement obligations to donors. 

• Contribute to organisational strategy, ensuring impact insight and evidence are central to strategic decisions. 

KEY COLLABORATORS 

CEO 

Director of Network 

Director of Recruitment 

Director of Communications, Philanthropy & Marketing 

Head of Communications & Marketing 

Data Manager 

PERSON SPECFICIATION 

Who you are  

You’re an experienced impact leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’re as comfortable setting the strategic direction for impact as you are getting hands-on with data, frameworks, and tools. 

You’re comfortable working on your own, organised, and confident managing competing priorities, bringing clarity and focus in a fast-paced setting. 

A natural collaborator and influencer, you work effectively across teams—making impact practical, accessible, and central to decision-making. 

You’re curious, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement, always looking for better ways to understand and strengthen impact. 

Above all, you’re passionate about improving outcomes for schools and students, and motivated to ensure that the impact of Now Teach is clearly evidenced and continues to grow 

What you’ll need to succeed in this role 

• A big picture thinker who can think strategically across the work of the organisation, and spot opportunities to maximise impact 
• Experience in impact measurement, evaluation, research or learning within the charity sector 
• Strong understanding of theories of change 
• Experience working with data and collaborating with data specialists to ensure quality, consistency and credibility of evidence. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into clear, compelling messages. 
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively across teams.

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Now Teach we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway.   

WORKING AT NOW TEACH 

Our people join and stay because they value Now Teach’s flexibility, close-knit team culture and social purpose. 32% of employees at all levels of the organisation work part time and everyone works flexibly, with time off in lieu part of our standard working practices. We are a small, collaborative and supportive team of nearly 20 people. We are non-hierarchical, and we set clear expectations and celebrate the successes of teams and individuals.  

Our Vision 

Schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers. 

Our Values 

Now Teach has four core values which encompass how we work together to delivery our vision and mission: Drive impact through expertise; Focus on who matters most; Make change happen; and Build connections that amplify. 

Our culture and values are central to us encouraging and supporting people into teaching. Without our positive, honest, and flexible approach we wouldn’t be able to adapt to meet the needs of Now Teachers. We have been named as one of Escape the City’s Top 100 Employers in 2021 and 2022 and have been recognised as a Working Mums’ Top Employer and at the Working Dads Employer Awards. We have won awards for our Culture, Flexible Working and Excellence in Public Service.   

In return we offer you 

As well as flexible working and a great culture, we offer a wide range of benefits including 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays), an additional 3 days for Christmas closure (25th Dec-1st January), a  pension scheme with a generous 11% employer contribution, enhanced parental leave policies, a rewards platform with employee discounts, access to an Employee Assistance Programme and an annual professional development budget for each employee. 

Working arrangements 

Full time/part time role, flexible working patterns possible. Now Teach are supported to work flexibly at co-working spaces or at home as needed with monthly working days in London. You will be required to cover your own travel expenses to London.

Application Process 

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages for the cover letter).

Applications close on 16th June.

First stage interviews will take place on 25th or 29th June online.

Second stage interviews (if appropriate) will take place on 6th July in person at a location in London.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Now Teach strives to be a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, stages of life and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll endeavor to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss specific requirements, please contact us and ask to speak to the Operations team.

All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. 

Safe Recruitment Procedure 

Now Teach are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process, and all successful candidates will be subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

The Head of Programming will set the creative direction for CST’s conference and events portfolio, shaping ideas, themes and experiences that resonate with school trust leaders. This role is responsible for turning complex issues — in education, public service and wider society — into compelling, well-crafted programmes that feel distinctive, relevant and worth attending.

The Head of Programming combines strategic oversight with hands-on creative leadership: curating speakers, designing formats and building narratives that challenge thinking and spark new connections. The role will lead and develop CST’s conference producers, building a high performing team with the capability to design and deliver consistently strong programmes that are intellectually sharp, well-paced and grounded in what the sector needs now to deliver the best outcomes for children.

Key responsibilities

• Set the overall programming strategy for CST’s conference portfolio, aligned with organisational priorities and audience needs

• Lead the development of conference themes, narratives and session architecture

• Ensure programmes are coherent, purposeful and drive engagement and learning

• Ensure programmes are completed to time and budget

• Design and test innovative formats that build engagement and connection

• Keep abreast of event trends in the wider sector to ensure that CST’s offer continues to be compelling and unique

Speaker curation and content development

• Identify, secure and brief high-calibre speakers from across education and related sectors

• Collaborate closely with CST’s Professional Community Chairs and CST’s system, commercial and charity partners to design insightful and enjoyable conference experiences for delegates

• Shape session content with speakers to ensure relevance, clarity and practical value for CST’s audiences

• Ensure diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and voices across programmes

Audience insight and quality assurance

• Maintain a clear understanding of the current challenges facing school trusts and audience needs

• Use insight from members, partners and previous events to inform programme design

• Set and uphold quality standards for all conference content and delivery

• Evaluate programme effectiveness and use insights for continuous improvement.

Cross team collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues in events, marketing, partnerships and policy to ensure that programmes are deliverable, well communicated and commercially successful

• Align conference content with CST’s wider community and professional development offers

• Support sponsorship and partnership conversations by shaping compelling programme opportunities

Leadership and delivery

• Lead the end-to-end programming process from concept to delivery 

• Manage timelines, decision points and speaker processes to ensure that programmes are delivered on schedule and effectively marketed

• Provide on the day support for speakers, ensuring smooth delivery and strong audience experience.