Head of Programmes

At The Elephant Group, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s where we come in. We’re on a mission to create fairer access to top universities. As Head of Programmes, you’ll be key to driving this change.

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of our transformative programmes – Elephant Access and Meta Method. As a professional with passion and experience in leading Learning and Development; your work will directly ensure our programmes not only meet but exceed their potential . This is an opportunity to blend strategic thinking, project management, delivery and partnership building while using your analytical mindset and curiosity to continually improve learning outcomes and ensure excellence.

You’ll personally deliver elements of content to young people and other stakeholders, oversee the evaluation of programme impact, lead two direct reports, manage relationships with key partners and contribute to the development of strategies to promote fairer access.

Beyond programme leadership, you’ll drive collaborations with industry and third-sector organisations, leveraging their expertise and resources to improve our programmes and create solutions that promote opportunity. 

You'll be joining a small charity that has big plans for the future. In 2024 we were short listed for the “Student Mobility Impact Award” and our inspiring CEO Jayne Taylor, was a finalist in the “Rising Chief Executive” category at the Third Sector Awards.

Job Details

Salary:                              £45,000 - £50,000 depending on experience

Contract:                         Permanent (subject to a successful probation review at 3 months)

Hours:                               Full-time only

Benefits:                          28 days holiday plus 3 days at Christmas and bank holidays, 5% pension contribution, flexible working, training & development opportunities        

Based:                              Remote – a suitable home working space is expected with equipment provided. Frequent organisational travel is expected with expenses paid. (You will need to be based in or very close to one of our hubs, Greater London, Midlands or Yorkshire and will travel typically around twice a week to our three hubs, ocassionally more. The days of week travel is required will vary based on business need)

Line Manager:              CEO

Direct reports:              Programme co-ordinators

Start Date:                    As soon as possible

Key Responsibilities

Programme Management

• Lead and be responsible for the delivery of The Elephant Group’s programmes across all partnerships including large scale events. This will include personally delivering content to young people, presentations to stakeholders and acting as a facilitator.
• Manage relationships with external partners, ensuring high-quality programme delivery and compliance with contractual obligations, including reporting.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation processes, working to assess programme impact and refine delivery of content.
• Manage programme budgets, ensuring financial accountability and providing regular updates to the CEO.

Programme Development and Innovation

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance programme quality, reach, and impact.
• Use all forms of information provision to continually improve programmes and measure programme efficacy.
• Develop clear project plans for all programmes ensuring smooth delivery.
• Contribute to the development of new initiatives and support funding bids in collaboration with the Head of Operations and Development.

Team Leadership and Organisational Contribution

• Line manage programme staff, providing support, development opportunities, and guidance to ensure effective delivery.
• Contribute to organisational leadership, working closely with senior colleagues to align programme delivery with broader strategic goals.
• Represent The Elephant Group at external events and speaking engagements, as well as supporting fundraising and partner activities as required.

Why join us?

Great company culture

Our small, friendly team is committed to the mission of social justice. We are ambitious and hard working; we make decisions quickly and action them. We value professionalism, curiosity, innovation, speed, autonomy and accountability.

Excellent package

A competitive salary and generous leave

Professional development

We value initiative and will support forward thinking employees to develop with formal and informal opportunities. Our fantastic Chief Executive is passionate about staff development and giving staff autonomy to thrive and deliver great outcomes.

 Interested? To find out more including the important skills we are looking for, download our candidate brief

NB: An enhanced DBS check will be taken prior to appointment. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We are unable to sponsor visas for international applicants without the right to work in the UK.