Director jobs

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£50,000 per annum

The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose.

The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity’s mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation.

Success in the role will balance the following elements:

• Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
• Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
• Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic operations
• Strategic contribution
• Festival delivery
• People and resource management
• Governance and compliance 
• Systems and process improvement
• Leadership and team management 

Essential Person specification:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
• Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
• Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience • Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
• Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
• Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
• Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
• Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing. and data governance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically while remaining practical and hands-on in a small, agile organisation

For more information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on EIBF website. 

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026.

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

Ivy Rock Partners is delighted to be partnering with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to recruit its new Finance Director.

About RADA

For over 120 years, RADA has been at the forefront of dramatic arts training, educating generations of actors, directors, writers, producers and technical artists who have gone on to shape theatre, film and television around the world.

This is an exciting moment to join one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural and educational institutions. As part of its next phase of development, RADA has created this new Finance Director role to strengthen strategic financial leadership, organisational resilience and decision-making across the RADA Group.

About the role

Reporting to the Principal & CEO, the Finance Director will lead the finance function across RADA and RADA Business Ltd.

The role will include:

• Providing strategic financial leadership across the RADA Group.
• Ensuring effective financial management, reporting, planning and control.
• Leading budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial modelling.
• Overseeing statutory accounts, management accounts and the annual external audit process.
• Maintaining strong financial controls, risk management processes and compliance frameworks.
• Managing treasury, tax and regulatory matters, including charity, education and company requirements.
• Providing clear financial advice to the Principal, Council, committees and senior colleagues.
• Working closely with the Managing Director of RADA Business to support profitability and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Leading, developing and motivating a high-performing finance team.

About you

RADA is seeking an experienced and collaborative finance leader who can combine strategic insight with strong financial control and operational delivery.

You will bring:

• Strong technical finance expertise.
• Experience of financial planning, reporting, audit, risk and compliance.
• The ability to provide clear, insightful advice to senior leaders, trustees and committees.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, accountability and high-quality service delivery.
• The motivation to contribute to the future of a world-renowned charitable and educational institution.

How to apply

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Ivy Rock Partners on behalf of RADA.

 DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Supported Housing to join our Executive Team and lead our resident-led housing services for young people aged 16-25. This is a strategically important leadership role with responsibility for supported housing, safeguarding, asset management, service quality and housing growth across a complex and evolving operational landscape.

You will bring visible leadership across services, strengthen partnerships with commissioners and local authorities, and help shape the future of housing support for young people across the region. Alongside this, you will help lead the organisation as a whole, contributing to long-term sustainability, growth and strategic direction.

This appointment is part of a wider strengthening of YMCA DLG’s Executive Team, alongside the recruitment of a second Director, as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape what comes next.

Peridot Partners are supporting us with the recruitment of this role. When you click 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be redirected to the full job advert and how to apply on the Peridot Partners website.

Closing date: 9 am Tuesday 30th June

Pay: £63,099.00 per year

Job title: Director of Services

Hours per week: 37 hours Monday to Friday

Salary: £63,099

Location: Coventry and Warwickshire

About the role

Would you like to play a key role in improving the lives of older people living within Warwickshire and Coventry? We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our senior management team at a time of significant change for the charity. Trustees have set out an ambitious strategy for growth and long-term sustainability that is supported with significant investment in technology, buildings and staffing resources. This investment will enable us to expand the reach of our current service offer and enable the growth of new services that meet the growing needs of our communities.

Our current service offer includes a range of dementia support services, home support, advice, financial support services, counselling, befriending, social groups and activity centres.

As Director of Services, you will maintain and develop service quality, support and develop a team of managers. You will build strong strategic stakeholder relationships and play a significant role in the broad leadership of all aspects of the charity.

How to apply

Please apply directly on our charity website Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire. If you would like an informal discussion regarding the role please email or phone us.

Age UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We welcome requests for flexible working.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Staff benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Age UK Discount Portal
• Tickets for Good
• 27 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)

Closing Date: 8am on Monday 6th July 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 13th July 2026

Work Location: In person

Assistant Director of Income Generation (Major Donors)

The charity is entering a period where stronger leadership within the income generation function will be critical to sustaining and growing its vital work.

We are looking for an Assistant Director of Income Generation (Major Donors) to act as a key member of the senior team and a trusted deputy to the Director.

Location: Mill Hill Broadway, London. Hybrid (2 days WFH per week)

Role Type: Permanent

Work Type: Full Time/Hybrid

Salary: £60-70k

Closing Date: 06 July 2026

Assistant Director of Income Generation Opportunity

Second-in-command for income generation, with real scope to shape how fundraising works

This is a broad, outward-facing role, combining leadership, oversight and hands-on delivery. Alongside helping shape how the team operates, you will lead and grow major donor fundraising, building relationships with high-value supporters, owning a portfolio, and playing a central role in securing significant gifts.

About the Organisation

The charity was founded by Dr Shelley Gilbert MBE, and works to offer a way through the anxiety, fear and isolation so often caused by grief. Bereavement is devastating at any age, but for a child it is life changing.

An open-access charity, funded by the generosity of supporters, they are here to help ease the pain and confusion caused by the death of a parent or sibling. Services include one-to-one counselling, music therapy, grief relief kits and much more.

What matters?

The vision of a world where no child grieves alone. The mission? To give every child, young person and their families access to the best possible support following the death of someone close.

Leading with empathy and kindness, putting people first.

If you join the team…

You’ll be a senior leader in the Income Generation team, working closely with the Director of Income to help lead a nine-strong team and shape how the function develops. You will provide day-to-day management support, help bring structure and consistency to ways of working, and play a key role in building a collaborative, supportive culture across the team.

Alongside management and strategy duties, you will lead on Major Donors fundraising, building strong and lasting relationships with major donors while confidently leading on stewardship. You’ll help to secure sustainable income in a wholly donation-funded model, while raising awareness of childhood bereavement.

Ultimately, you’ll help create a more resilient, well-structured fundraising function that can deliver consistent year-on-year growth. We look forward to welcoming you to a team that upholds values of integrity, compassion and excellence.

You’ll initially be asked to upload a CV to begin your application. This is just to get you started – you’ll then receive the full Candidate Information Pack before submitting a formal application to the client. At that stage, you’ll have the opportunity to review and tailor your CV if you wish.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining the team!

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

#INDNFP

Lead a nationally significant youth development and outdoor learning programme that changes young lives at sea.
Join Tall Ships Youth Trust in a senior leadership role shaping pathways, partnerships and life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.

Tall Ships Youth Trust is looking for an exceptional Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning to lead and grow our youth development offer at a pivotal moment in our strategy. This is a rare opportunity to combine mission, leadership and commercial thinking in a role that directly expands opportunities for young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.

You will shape the journey young people take with us, from their first voyage to longer-term development, training, employment and progression opportunities.

Through a combination of outdoor learning and sail training frameworks you will engage educational and youth leaders, apprenticeship providers and sector corporate partners to establish multiple pathways for young people in the UK. You’ll identify and create networks across the UK with education and youth development clients, outdoor learning providers and national organisations that offer leadership and development opportunities for young people. Ensuring that our three-voyage programme and space in between is employed as their preferred option for the personal and social development of the young people that they are responsible for.

This includes trading income generation for groups and individuals, while also supporting fundraising by developing business in geographies and communities that align with geographically restricted funding secured by the Trust.

You will also lead Tall Ships Youth Trust on its journey towards appropriate Kite marks, accreditation and quality marks to establish our credentials in the youth development and outdoor learning sectors. 

Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional UK travel and hybrid working as agreed

Coram is the first and longest continuing children’s charity, originally The Foundling Hospital, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, a dynamic group of organisations, Coram now helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year through direct services, curriculum tools, and digital advice.

Coram is the largest charity provider of Personal, Social, Health and Economic education from infancy to independence. Supported by a distributed network of delivery partners across the country, Coram SCARF curriculum supports teachers across 2800 schools. Coram Beanstalk is the original volunteer reading help charity supporting children to become fluent readers with face-to-face volunteer support in primary schools. Coram Kidscape provides targeted support to schools, parents and children who are experiencing bullying whilst Coram Leap Confronting Conflict provides place based approaches to building the resilience of young people in navigating conflict. Together with Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, providing the largest youth drama festival, they work to realise our strategic goal to enable children to develop the skills they need for life no matter where they live.

About the role

Working directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team of Coram, the Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing provides direct and matrix management and leadership across these different streams of our work with schools and teachers.

In this role you will drive partnership, business development and income to extend the reach, relevance and results for children. You will work to build and diversify subscription, direct purchase, international, statutory and commercial income streams integrating the offers and driving synergies between the programmes in the Centre. Included in this is the development of the voice of children in relevant areas of policy, particularly seeking to build social relational and critical thinking skills.

You will seek to represent Coram to advance public understanding and the development of policy and practice as it affects children and young people. You will grow Coram’s share of voice in the education arena, ensuring that policy positions, consultation responses and public communications remain consistent.

This senior role is an important opportunity for a for an established charity education leader with an entrepreneurial approach and programmatic leadership skills including income generation, built on extensive policy and systems knowledge, to impact through existing and new programmes to change the prospects of the next generation.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus, with senior experience of identifying, responding to and delivering new business opportunities, product development / sales and fundraising. This, together with, experience of managing multiple and distributed teams whilst maintaining both quality assurance of programmes and building engagement.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong ability to lead and motivate others, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

Please note: This is a full-time role, office based in central London; hybrid working is supported but this post is not offered for job share or for majority home working. It requires the ability to travel in the UK on business occasionally and for flexibility in attending occasional breakfast or evening events

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S alone will not be accepted.

Closing date: 29th June 2026 at 9am

Interview date (at Coram Campus, Bloomsbury): Thursday 2nd July 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

�� Are You the Candidate We’re Looking For? ��

At Shaftesbury, we’re looking for a Director of Accommodation Based Services to join our passionate and purpose-driven team. If you’re organised, detail-focused, and want to be part of something meaningful, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

You must hold a full current driving licence and the ability to travel to services and stay away from home overnight when required.

We’re not just hiring skills—we’re looking for people who genuinely care. People who want to make a difference. People who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full, independent, and flourishing life.

Guided by our core values—Open, Enabling, Inclusive and Courageous—we are proud to deliver outstanding support across our adult care, children’s services, and education settings. Every member of our team plays a vital role in helping the people we support thrive.

�� About the Role

The Director of Accommodation Based Services will be responsible for ensuring the operation of high quality, financially sustainable services across the country that are sustainable both now and in the future.

This role is home based with national travel as and when required.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Promoting the vision and values of Shaftesbury within the residential services.
• Leading by example and ensuring that you demonstrate the values in your leadership behaviours and how you support our teams and deliver our services.
• Ensuring you meet all targets and KPIs.
• To participate in Shaftesbury’s national on call rota.
• Develop key relationships and create strategic alliances with all commissioners.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that directly impacts the quality and safety of the services we provide.

�� Why Join Shaftesbury?

We know our people are our greatest asset, so we make sure you feel valued, supported, and rewarded:

✨ Recognition & Rewards – Be recognised by senior leaders and receive vouchers of up to £50 for going above and beyond
�� Professional Development – Access to an excellent training and development programme
��️ Generous Annual Leave – 25 days + bank holidays, rising to 28 days after 5 years
�� Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for the future
�� Wellbeing Support – Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

�� Why You?

You’ll bring:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive, team-focused mindset
• Diploma level (Level 5) or equivalent level qualification
• Evidence of continued professional and personal development
• Experience within a senior management position previously
• Track record of service improvement and operational achievement

Deputy Programme Director

Calling all Deputy Programme Directors

Anna Freud is seeking a Deputy Programme Director - MRes Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (DNP) to join our world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families. More information about Anna Freud is available on our website.

Our EDI commitment

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and being an equal opportunities employer, whereby equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our recruitment practices. All candidates who meet the job criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities and care experience.

We ask candidates to share their diversity dimensions with us to help us identify, tackle and prevent bias across the employee lifecycle. We believe a diverse workforce enhances our ability to support mental health and wellbeing, allowing us to better meet the needs of the children, young people and families we serve.

As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates meeting our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed using a fair evaluation process based on the criteria set out in our job profiles.

What we offer

We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff-led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.

What you’ll do

As Deputy Programme Director for the MRes in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (DNP), you will play a key role in delivering and developing a world-class postgraduate programme, combining academic leadership, teaching, student support, quality assurance and programme management to ensure an outstanding student experience and high academic standards.

• Lead and deliver high-quality teaching and learning by contributing to curriculum development, teaching, assessment, marking and maintaining academic excellence across the MRes programme
• Manage and coordinate the Multiple Perspectives in Child Development modules, including planning content, working with guest lecturers and seminar leaders, overseeing assessments, and continuously enhancing the student learning experience
• Support students throughout their academic journey by monitoring progress and attendance, providing pastoral and academic support, responding to student feedback, and helping to manage extenuating circumstances and student wellbeing
• Contribute to programme leadership and governance by supporting day-to-day programme management, quality assurance activities, UCL compliance requirements, exam boards, committees and strategic programme development
• Support recruitment, stakeholder engagement and programme growth through involvement in student admissions, marketing, applicant selection, recruitment of teaching staff, and collaboration with colleagues across Anna Freud, UCL and Yale University.

What you’ll bring

You will be an experienced academic leader with a PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related field, bringing expertise in developmental neuroscience and child psychopathology, alongside a strong track record of postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, student support and programme management within a Higher Education environment.

• Subject Matter Expertise – Strong knowledge of developmental neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, child development and research methods, with a deep understanding of at least one major theoretical approach to developmental psychology
• Postgraduate Teaching and Curriculum Development – Experience designing, delivering and evaluating Master's-level teaching programmes, with the ability to develop and maintain high-quality curricula and learning outcomes
• Academic Leadership and Programme Management – Proven ability to lead and coordinate teaching teams, manage competing priorities, maintain academic standards and ensure programme quality and compliance within a Higher Education setting
• Student Support and Engagement – Demonstrable experience providing pastoral and academic support, fostering student engagement, monitoring progress and achieving positive student feedback and outcomes
• Research Training and Stakeholder Management – Experience organising and overseeing research training or placements, alongside the ability to build effective relationships with students, teaching staff, guest lecturers and external partners in multidisciplinary and international environments

Key details

Hours: Part-time 17.5 hours per week worked across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Salary: £59,258 FTE per annum, plus 6% contributory pension scheme

Location: Hybrid (a mixture of home/onsite working): staff are working onsite for at least 20% of their working hours, at our London site (4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH).

Contract type: Permanent

Next steps

Closing date for applications: midday (12pm), Monday 29 June 2026. Please note that due to high application volumes, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply promptly and to keep an eye on our future vacancies for more opportunities.

Notification of interview: shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than Monday, 06 July 2026. During shortlisting, applicants are anonymously assessed using the criteria visible in the Job Profile. Please note: due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Interviews: will be held remotely in week commencing 13 July 2026

How to apply: click on the 'apply now’ button to apply online. We are unable to accept CVs and kindly request no contact from agencies.

Questions?

Please email us with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) is the leading charity supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey through safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. Following a significant period of organisational stabilisation and transformation, we are now entering an ambitious new phase focused on growth, influence and deepening our impact.

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Mental Health and Advice to join our Executive Team and lead our counselling and specialist support and advice services for children and young people. This is a strategically important leadership role with responsibility for community and schools counselling, specialist youth advice and sexual exploitation services, safeguarding, service quality and contract growth across a complex and evolving operational landscape.

You will bring visible leadership across services, strengthen partnerships with commissioners and local authorities, and help shape the future of mental health and advice support for children and young people across the region. Alongside this, you will help lead the organisation as a whole, contributing to long-term sustainability, growth and strategic direction.

This appointment forms part of a wider strengthening of YMCA DLG’s Executive Team, alongside the recruitment of a second Director role, as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment and help shape what comes next.

Peridot Partners are supporting us with the recruitment of this role. When you click 'Redirect to Recruiter' you will be redirected to the full job advert and how to apply on the Peridot Partners website.

Closing date: 9 am Tuesday 30th June

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is a thriving, dynamic community charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants across South East London. This is an exciting new role to the organisation forming a senior management team alongside the Executive Director, Casework Manager and Education and Finance Manager. This key senior position combines line management of central staff, high level fundraising, grants monitoring and compliance, development of enhanced member co-production, oversight of operational systems and management of pilot projects emerging from AFRIL’s 2027-30 strategy.

Job Purpose:

• To manage and coordinate the operations of the organisation, overseeing high level day to day operations including IT and systems, GDPR, Health and Safety, volunteer management, operational policies and procedures.

• To provide leadership and line management to the Monitoring and Operations Officer, Experts by Experience Coordinator and Community Activities Coordinator. With possible additional line of other project staff as organisational capacity requires.

• Lead the enhancement of processes and systems which support AFRIL’s frontline systems to work effectively and holistically together, providing capacity and support to project managers and leads.

• Lead the development and delivery of AFRIL’s co-production work, supporting the Experts by Experience Coordinator to amplify members' voices at all levels of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director in delivering the organisation's fundraising strategy. Writing a range of funding applications, holding key funder relationships and developing new funding relationships, including the establishment of enhanced individual, community and corporate fundraising relationships.

• Leading on the management and oversight of the grants compliance and reporting cycles, producing monitoring reports for funders with the support of the Operations and Monitoring Officer. Overseeing and developing evaluations and impact measurement systems alongside the Director.

• Assist the Director with the implementation of AFRIL’s strategy, taking a leading role in the delivery of new projects and areas of work to advance the mission and vision of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director with the development and implementation of a communications strategy, enhancing awareness of the organisation's work and impact.

• To represent AFRIL at a range of stakeholder meetings, and develop and manage partnerships to benefit AFRIL’s service users.

• To work collaboratively and dynamically in a small team, following AFRIL policies and reflecting AFRIL’s values.

Turn insight into impact for autistic children and young people as Ambitious about Autism's first Director of National Programmes.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 29th June.

Location: Hybrid working with at least two days in the London office and able to travel on a regular basis throughout the UK as necessary.

About the organisation

Ambitious about Autism stands with autistic children and young people, championing their rights and creating opportunities across education, employment, health and community life. We educate and support hundreds of autistic children and young people directly and reach thousands more through our national programmes, employability initiatives, participation work and policy influence.

With our Ambitious Together strategy launching later this summer, we are building on our strong foundations as a service delivery organisation, and seek to play a greater role in shaping the systems that affect autistic children and young people. To deliver on this vision, we have created a new executive leadership team role: Director of National Programmes.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive and sitting on the executive leadership team, the Director of National Programmes will lead the strategy, design and evolution of our national portfolio, helping Ambitious about Autism strengthen its role as a catalyst for systems change. Working at the intersection of education, policy, evidence and lived experience, you will identify opportunities to improve outcomes for autistic children and young people, influencing practice far beyond our own organisation.

You will develop innovative and scalable programme models, creating partnerships that enable successful approaches to be tested, evidenced and adopted by others. Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, external affairs and education, you will help secure the investment, partnerships and evidence needed to influence lasting change.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a collaborative, values-led leader with a deep understanding of education systems and a passion for improving outcomes for autistic children and young people, who can turn strategic insight into practical solutions that influence policy and practice. You will have a proven track record of developing evidence-led programmes, building partnerships and driving impact, while being commercially astute, politically aware and effective in complex environments.

As a strong people leader, you will inspire teams and champion co-production, and you will be motivated by our mission to help Ambitious about Autism lead a more inclusive education system within a values-driven organisation.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 29th June.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.

We are seeking an Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation to play a central role in shaping how Villiers Park delivers and develops its programmes at a pivotal point in the implementation of our 2025-30 strategy. This role represents an exciting opportunity to lead on the development of our digital education offer and innovation work, ensuring it enhances both the reach and depth of our programmes for young people across the UK.

Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. As we continue to grow, digital provision and innovation are increasingly important in enabling us to reach more students, and to do so in engaging and inclusive ways.

Digital learning and programme innovation will be critical to the next phase in our strategy, building on the foundations we have already established, including the development of our learning platform and programme model. Alongside this, Leadership Challenge continues to expand as a key national outreach and social action programme, and this role will be instrumental in ensuring its quality and impact.

Our work is possible because of a brilliant team of staff, trustees and volunteers and committed funders and partners who believe in what we do and want to make the greatest possible difference. The Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation will work closely with colleagues across programmes, partnerships, communications and fundraising, as well as external partners, to ensure our digital and programme offer is coherent, forward-thinking and aligned with our mission.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with practical delivery, helping to translate ambition into impact for the young people we serve.

Sarah Chick

Head of Programmes 

Job purpose

The Assistant Director - Digital and Innovation leads the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision. This includes the design and delivery of online learning experiences, the development of digital and physical resources for use across programmes, and ensuring that digital delivery is accessible, safeguarded and aligned with the organisation’s mission.

The role also provides strategic and operational leadership for Leadership Challenge, Villiers Park’s national student outreach and social action programme. This includes programme design, partner engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring the programme is effectively resourced and financially sustainable.

Working closely with the Head of Programmes, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Communications and Fundraising teams, and external partners, the postholder supports the development of digital innovation, programme resourcing and Leadership Challenge activity to enhance reach, impact and quality. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision, ensuring alignment with our Theory of Change, priorities and values
• Lead the design and evolution of high-quality digital learning experiences, content and pathways for students, schools, parents/carers and volunteers
• Oversee the adoption and integration of digital platforms and tools, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, GDPR compliance and scalability
• Drive innovation in digital delivery by monitoring sector trends and embedding relevant approaches to enhance reach and impact
• Ensure digital provision complements and strengthens face-to-face delivery across programmes, working closely with the Head of Programmes and Assistant Directors
• Provide strategic oversight of the use of AI within programmes, ensuring its application enhances learning experiences while maintaining safeguarding and ethical standards
• Provide strategic oversight of the development and ongoing review of physical resources, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment across programmes
• Ensure all resources are inclusive, engaging, curriculum-aligned and reflect organisational standards and brand expectations
• Maintain a coherent approach to resource development, ensuring materials support programme delivery and learning outcomes effectively
• Lead the strategic and operational development of the Leadership Challenge programme, ensuring it is high-quality, sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and strengthen partnerships with charities, corporates and universities to support programme growth and delivery
• Oversee the development of an appropriate recognition or award framework for participants
• Establish and oversee robust quality assurance and evaluation processes for digital and physical content and delivery
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and risk management, and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees.
• Work collaboratively with Fundraising and Communications teams to support income generation, bid development and programme promotion

This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.

Skills and experience:

• Significant leadership experience in education, youth or social mobility sectors
• Knowledge of school and college curricula and the needs of learners aged 13–19
• Proven experience in designing and/or delivering digital learning
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, digital accessibility standards and inclusive design
• Experience developing high‑quality educational resources (digital and physical)
• Ability to lead programmes, manage projects and deliver to deadlines
• Ability to build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to further organisational aims and fundraising objectives

Personal attributes:

• A genuine commitment to and care for social mobility and young people’s futures
• Organised and proactive, effectively, prioritising workload and delivering outcomes independently
• Strategic and forward-thinking, with an ability to see the bigger picture
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across different functions
• Willingness to learn and develop your own practice and experience

Additional Information:

• The postholder will be required to travel regularly to schools, events and partner organisations
• An enhanced DBS check will be required
• The postholder will hold responsibility to be one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
• The postholder will require a full UK driving licence
• Evening work and overnight stays may be required
• Hybrid – location local to our Cambridge office or near to one of our Regional Hubs

Employee Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
• A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
• Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
• Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
• Flexibility in working hours.
• Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies. 

Safeguarding

Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.

Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation.

All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.

Room to Heal is a human rights charity and therapeutic community based in London. We support people who have survived torture and organised violence to rebuild their lives in exile, through an integrated programme of therapeutic and casework assistance. We offer a range of activities including: therapeutic support groups, gardening, individual therapy and casework, cooking and social gatherings, and therapeutic retreats.

We are looking for a Co-Director who will:

• ensure the overall financial sustainability of the charity through fundraising and financial strategy and management;
• work with the Co-Director, Chair and Board to ensure appropriate governance and legal compliance;
• continue to raise the profile of RtH and its work, establishing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including public, private and voluntary partners;
• develop and implement strategic priorities, goals and objectives to achieve Room to Heal’s (RtH) vision