Co-Director (We Move FWD), BBC Children in Need

JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND: E
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-term, Part-time (10 Months, 28 Hours - Parental Leave)
DEPARTMENT: BBC Children in Need
LOCATION: Main Uk Hubs – Hybrid 
SALARY RANGE: £51,600 - £64,000 (Full Time Equivalent) depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. London Weighting may be applicable.

The internal job title for this role will be Lead Project Manager (Charity)

We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
BBC Children in Need occupies a cherished place in the hearts of the British public and is the UK’s largest independent funder across the children’s sector. We hold a significant voice on children’s issues and play a powerful role in improving the lives of children and young people.

This role is central to that mission. You will be primarily responsible for the development and successful delivery of the ‘We Move FWD’ Fund—a £10 million, 10-year commitment to address systemic racism and issues faced by Black children and young people. To date, over £4 million has been awarded to 66 projects across the UK, with grantmaking decisions led by young Black advisors.

Under the co-leadership of Alex Holmes and Mercy Shibemba, the Fund has expanded to include narrative shifts, storytelling, and celebrating Black joy and imagination. As interim Co-Director (covering parental leave), you will build on this foundational work and lead the strategic management of an additional programme focused on polarisation and division. You will ensure both programmes are aligned with BBC Children in Need’s charitable ambition and strategy, and that their operational delivery drives meaningful impact.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a movement for change. As BBC Children in Need evolves to work in more innovative and impactful ways, this role places you at the forefront of that transformation.

Reporting into the Director of Impact and Influence (Fozia Irfan), you’ll lead the day-to-day management of the ‘We Move FWD’ fund, ensuring equitable and ethical delivery. You’ll work closely with your co-Director (Alex Holmes), expert third parties, infrastructure organisations, and young people to co-create innovative funding programmes. You’ll also manage two programme managers and collaborate across the organisation.

In addition to implementing key strands of our long-term strategy, you’ll spearhead a new fund focused on polarisation and division. This is a substantial opportunity to amplify impact, build legacy, and ensure our funding reaches those most in need.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

Work collaboratively with Trustees, Executive team, and staff to provide strategic direction for both Funds.
Deliver and further develop strategic plans aligned with the Theory of Change for grantmaking and broader impact.
Ensure each Fund has a clear impact strategy linked to funding activities and measurable indicators.
Develop new opportunities and partnerships to advance Fund objectives.
Ensure equitable grantmaking processes that effectively support organisations serving Black children and young people.
Manage existing grants empathetically and build strong relationships with Black-led organisations.
Continue developing broader impact programmes including narrative change, power-sharing, and leveraging BBC platforms.
 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Proven leadership and management experience, with a strong organisational approach and ability to build inclusive, innovative team cultures.
Substantial experience in developing and delivering grantmaking programmes/major partnerships, including broader impact initiatives.
Ability to lead in complex, evolving environments, with strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Deep understanding of systemic racism and race equity, with a demonstrable commitment to anti-racism.
Lived experience working with and for Black communities in the UK.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

Experience in narrative change or storytelling initiatives.
Familiarity with youth-led programme design and co-creation.
Knowledge of polarisation and division issues in the UK context.
Experience working with media platforms or public engagement campaigns.
Strategic experience in legacy-building or long-term impact programmes.
 

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Contracts of Employment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.