Director of Programmes

£70,000-£78,000 | Permanent | Hybrid (Head Office based in London) 

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client in the search for a new Directorof Programmes. The organisation believes that science should be relevant, representative and connected to society. Through nationally recognised science programmes, the charity creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with, influence and benefit from science and research.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished senior leader to join the Executive Team and take strategic ownership of a significant and diverse programme portfolio spanning education, community engagement, festivals and grant-making. Reporting to the CEO and leading three experienced Heads of Department, you will play a key role in shaping organisational strategy, driving operational excellence and ensuring programmes deliver sustainable impact at scale.

You will be a strategic and operational leader with experience of overseeing complex programmes, portfolios or services within a multi-stakeholder environment.

You may come from the charity, education, public engagement, cultural, research, consulting or wider not-for-profit sectors, and although a background in science is not essential, you will have a demonstrable track record of successfully balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading and developing complex programme portfolios, services or organisational functions.
• A proven ability to translate strategy into successful operational delivery within complex or evolving environments.
• Strong financial and operational capability, including responsibility for budgets, contracts, financial planning and resource management.
• Demonstrable experience of contract management and oversight of complex funding or grant agreements.
• Experience leading, developing and supporting high-performing teams, including through periods of growth, change or transformation.
• A track record of securing funding, building strategic partnerships and developing sustainable income opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior funders, partners, trustees or boards.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to apply evidence, evaluation and insight to drive decision-making and organisational improvement.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and a leadership style that creates an inclusive and supportive working environment.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the charity's mission and a belief that science should be accessible and relevant to everyone.

Most importantly, you will be someone who enjoys working across multiple priorities, is comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, and is motivated by the opportunity to shape the future direction of a respected and ambitious national charity.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership across the charity's programme portfolio, including Education, Community Engagement and Festivals.
• Lead and support three Heads of Department, ensuring effective delivery, collaboration and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Oversee key funder relationships, including major strategic partnerships and contracts with organisations such as UK Research & Innovation (UKRI).
• Take responsibility for contract management, reporting, governance requirements, risk management and organisational compliance.
• Lead annual budgeting and financial planning processes across the Programmes Directorate, working closely with colleagues across finance and the wider Senior Management Team.
• Play a central role in fundraising, partnership development, bid development and the creation of new programmes and income opportunities.
• Support the ongoing growth and development of flagship initiatives, including opportunities for international expansion and commercial development.
• Act as a senior organisational leader, contributing to strategy development, operational effectiveness, safeguarding oversight and continuous improvement.
• Represent the charity externally and act as an ambassador for its mission, programmes and partnerships.

To Apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with the essential and desirable criteria for the role.

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you require assistance with your application, please contact Shannon Sanderson, the lead consultant for this role. 

Please note that applications and CVs sent directly by email cannot be accepted and must be submitted through the application link to ensure they are properly recorded and considered.