Director (Wales)

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award exists to support young people to build life-long beliefs in themselves; supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had. 
 

Young people today are navigating an unprecedented combination of challenges. Our ambition is to ensure that every young person has the chance to build the essential skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed in both life and work. Through our bold Youth Without Limits strategy, we are committed to making the Award accessible to all especially those from underrepresented communities. 
 

We are now seeking a Director for Wales to join our energetic and forward-thinking team. In this key leadership role, you will be instrumental in leading the delivery of DofE across Wales. The position combines operational leadership with strategic policy engagement, aligning our work with Welsh Government priorities and propelling our long-term growth strategy to broaden access and opportunity for young people.
 

 Key Responsibilities
 

Operational Leadership
 

• Lead and inspire the Wales Team and delivery network, fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture.
• Build strategic relationships across government, education, and voluntary sectors to champion accessibility and inclusion.
• Deliver KPIs aligned with Welsh Government priorities and DofE’s strategic goals.
• Ensure safeguarding and data protection compliance, placing young people’s safety at the heart of all activity.
• Oversee licensing, quality assurance, and support for delivery partners and volunteers.
• Manage financial operations and mitigate key risks.
• Collaborate with UK-wide Directors to ensure strategic alignment and share best practices.
• Drive cross-departmental collaboration across the DofE with a particular focus on collaborative working with Strategic Programmes, Quality and Compliance, External Affairs, and Fundraising teams.

Strategic Policy & Influencing
 

• Represent DofE in national forums and advisory groups to amplify our voice and impact.
• Align UK-wide strategy with relevant Welsh Government frameworks.
• Influence policy agendas in education, youth work, skills development, and inclusion.
• Strengthen relationships across youth and education sectors to enhance reach and sustainability.

Partnership Cultivation & Fundraising Support
 

• Partner with the central fundraising team to support donor engagement and initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with Welsh donors, funders, and supporters.
• Provide strategic insight to inform fundraising and partnership development.

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
 

The deadline for applying for this role is: 18th November - Midnight
 

1st  interviews will take place on: WC 1st December - to be held virtually 
 

2nd interviews will take place on: 12th December  - to be held in person at a  location in Wales.  (Venue will be confirmed at invitation)

N.B. additional interviews  may be required.