Programme director jobs
Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)
Contract – Permanent
Hours - 35 hours per week
Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)
Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed
About Coram
Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.
Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.
About the role
This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.
This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.
The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.
You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.
To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.
Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon
Interview date: 26th & 27th February 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, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
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.
Coram changes lives, laws and systems to create better chances for children, now and forever.
War on Want is recruiting for a permanent Department Director to lead our campaigning, policy and international partnerships and programmes work. This role will suit a dynamic self-motivated and experienced Department Director. You will need significant senior management team experience, as well as experience of managing thematic experts and campaigners and leading the delivery of impactful and transformative campaigns.
As a member of War on Want’s senior management team, you will be responsible for ensuring and overseeing the effective planning, implementing and monitoring of War on Want’s campaigning, policy and international partnerships and programmes work. Working with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team colleagues you will also contribute to the overall management of the organisation.
This is a unique and highly rewarding position for a creative and inspirational individual to join the leadership of an impactful charity working both in the UK and globally on some of the most challenging social justice issues. The role oversees our programmes and campaigns on climate justice, economic justice, and on militarism and security issues, including our priority work on Palestine. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic staff group dedicated to making a genuine difference in the fight for global justice.
War on Want staff can work from War on Want’s head office, 44-48 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JP and from home. Some travel within the UK and overseas may be required.
For more information on the role and to apply, please visit our website.
Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Sunday 8 February 2026.
War on Want is a registered charity no 208724. We actively encourage applicants from ethnic minorities and aim to be an equal opportunities employer.