Senior programme officer jobs in Charing cross, greater london

Our Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager is primarily responsible for managing and generating income from our Trusts & Foundations portfolio (including Corporate Foundations). They identify new prospects, write compelling and persuasive proposals to secure significant gifts, actively develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide brilliant stewardship.

We are looking for someone who has a sound understanding of T&F fundraising. You’ll have a strong track record of nurturing relationships, securing multi-year and five-figure+ gifts, and a genuine passion for youth development. You are a creative problem solver with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a full‑time Senior Events Officer to join the Fundraising team at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. This role plays a key part in delivering SSAFA’s ambitious events programme, leading on our portfolio of Running Challenge Events while supporting the wider Events team to drive income and raise the charity’s profile.

You will identify and develop high‑value running opportunities, manage flagship events such as the London Marathon, Great North Run and Race to the Stones, and ensure every participant enjoys an exceptional and motivating supporter journey. Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, marketing and special events, you will help deliver a diverse calendar of public‑facing and high‑profile activities.

From budget management and risk assessment to post‑event evaluation and sector research, you will bring creativity, organisation and strong relationship‑building skills to ensure our events run smoothly, meet targets and champion SSAFA within the military and veteran community.

This is a dynamic and varied role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is ready to play an ambassadorial part in growing our impact.

 About the team

The SSAFA Events team is a small team with a high output both financially and in terms of number of events produced. We work closely together and thrive to deliver high quality, successful events.

About you

To carry out this role successfully you will have an understanding of the charity sector and ideally a background of working in charity events. You will be driven, conscientious and have high attention to detail. In addition, you will demonstrate the ability to develop positive relationships with our supporters in order to manage and grow existing events and relationships. As this role supports major events throughout the year, you should also be able to work evenings and weekends when required, and travel across the UK and abroad to support event delivery.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

Closing date: Midnight on 10 February 2026. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: TBC

Job Title: Finance Manager/Senior Finance Controller

Contract length: Permanent

Location: Hybrid

Hours per week: 35

Salary:  £55-60K pa depending on experience and knowledge

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd February 2026 , we reserve the right to end the vacancy before the closing date; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible

First interview: First interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams

Second interview: Candidates successful at first interview will be invited to visit Mayhew and to have a second interview in person.

We are looking for our next Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller, someone who shares our compassion for animal welfare and wants to play a central role in stewarding Mayhew’s financial resources for the greatest impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior colleagues across Mayhew—including members of the Senior Management Team—to support strong financial direction, responsible stewardship, and effective, mission‑driven decision‑making across the charity.

This is a highly visible and hands‑on leadership role. You will lead Mayhew’s day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, good practice financial management, and timely, accessible financial reporting for colleagues, trustees and partners. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning, management accounting, statutory reporting and SORP compliance, as well as supporting operational teams with practical financial insight and advice.

You will also help develop and strengthen financial systems and processes, recognising that—as a mid‑sized charity with evolving needs—Mayhew continues to refine its structures to best support our work. You will lead and support a small finance team, modelling an open, collaborative and hands‑on working style.

Our London site—our historic rescue and rehoming centre—is at the heart of our UK operations. You will collaborate with colleagues across operations, veterinary services, fundraising, people and engagement to ensure financial clarity underpins good decision‑making as we continue to care for dogs and cats in need.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, direct and deliver all aspects of Mayhew’s finance function, ensuring strong, proportionate controls and high‑quality financial information.
• Engage, influence and collaborate with senior colleagues and trustees to support the effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals.
• Provide clear financial guidance to non‑finance colleagues and act as a supportive, trusted partner across the organisation.
• Lead and support a small finance team, encouraging a positive, collaborative and hands‑on culture.
• Strengthen and improve finance systems and processes to increase efficiency, consistency and compliance.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Strong charity finance experience, including Charity SORP (FRS 102), fund accounting, statutory reporting, financial planning, budgeting, and knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid.
• Hands‑on experience of month‑end accounting, financial controls, cashflow management, and management accounts preparation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information clearly for non‑finance colleagues and trustees.
• A collaborative, supportive and pragmatic working style, with confidence to improve processes and work flexibly within a smaller organisation.
• Experience leading and developing a small team through open, positive and supportive management.

Please note that successful candidates will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

We’re seeking an experienced and driven Senior Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to help change the lives of young carers. In this pivotal role, you’ll secure vital funding from charitable trusts and foundations, building strong relationships and crafting compelling cases for support. You’ll lead on high-value applications, identify new funding opportunities, and play a key role in shaping our income growth. Working with a passionate, mission-led team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work every day. If you’re persuasive, and inspired by making a lasting difference for children, we’d love you to join us.

Our Senior Coordinator is primarily responsible for all Member and supporter engagement and stewardship across the year. They build and develop relationships with individuals, support event delivery and manage all communications from content creation to delivery. This includes e-newsletters, fundraising appeals and ad-hoc communications that increase engagement, retain loyalty and raise funds.

We are looking for someone who is creative, has strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively. You’ll have a sound understanding of thoughtful stakeholder engagement, marketing communications and tools, and enjoy sharing with people the impact of their support.

About SPANA

SPANA (The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is the global charity for the working animals of the world. Since our foundation in 1923, we have worked where they work, to support the welfare of working animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, dogs and camels.

About this role

The Programmes Quality and Delivery department is a key unit within SPANA’s Global Programmes Directorate (GPD). The team ensures effective oversight of the design and delivery of working animal health and welfare interventions in collaboration with a range of national NGO partners across more than 20 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Central and South America. SPANA is strengthening the GPD to support partners to develop and deliver transformational and sustainable improvements in working animal welfare. 

Reporting to a Senior Programmes Manager, the Programmes Officer provides essential grant administration and project management support to a portfolio of partners, ensuring effective oversight across the lifecycle of grants. This involves developing effective working partnerships remotely and identifying risks and issues that need to be escalated. The Programmes Officer works closely with technical colleagues responsible for Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL), animal health and welfare, education and behaviour change and the wider organisation (e.g., communications, fundraising, advocacy and policy). 

Contract, location and salary

This role is a full-time (34.5 hours per week), permanent role. This is a UK based position, with 1-2 days per month (or more if preferred) worked from SPANA's office in London. 

The salary for this role is c.£32,000 subject to skills and experience. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK.

Further information and how to apply

Please review the job description for full details including a person specification and information on how to apply. The deadline for applications is 23:59 GTM on Sunday 8 February 2026. 

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.

The Senior Internal Communications Officer will work closely with the Senior Internal Communications Manager to deliver clear, engaging and inclusive internal communications that support YoungMinds’ strategic priorities and organisational culture. Acting as a trusted partner to colleagues across the organisation, the role provides expert guidance on how best to communicate with internal audiences, ensuring messages are timely, accessible and aligned with our values and brand.

As Senior Internal Communications Officer, you will play a key role in shaping how colleagues experience life at YoungMinds, strengthening connection to our purpose, vision and values, and supporting a culture where people feel informed, included and engaged. Working across teams and at all levels, you’ll help bring internal communications and engagement strategies to life through thoughtful content, effective channels and meaningful staff engagement activity.

You will build strong, collaborative relationships with teams across the organisation, working particularly closely with those leading strategic programmes, people initiatives and culture work. Through your day-to-day work, you will champion and embed our AJEDI principles, helping to cultivate an organisational culture that reflects our commitment to anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

You’ll have responsibility for:

• Creating engaging internal content (intranet, newsletters, events)
• Developing and managing our internal communications channels
• Support staff engagement, all-staff days and culture initiatives
• Work closely with Affinity Groups and colleagues across the organisation
• Embed AJEDI values into everything you do
• Use insight and feedback to keep improving how we communicate.

Team: Philanthropy & Partnerships

Location: Remotely, UK

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday with occasional work required outside standard hours to support events

Salary: Up to £37,565.95 per annum

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. Will you join us and make a better life for cats?

Responsibilities of our Philanthropy and Partnerships Senior Events Officer:

This role is responsible for designing and delivering a varied programme of impactful high value engagement events for the Philanthropy and Partnerships team ranging from large-scale special events to bespoke private gatherings that inspire, engage, and encourage greater levels of support and long-term relationships with Cats Protection.

The post holder will lead on all aspects of event management, from strategy development, concept and planning through to delivery and post-event evaluation, ensuring all events are executed to the highest standard

About the Philanthropy & Partnership’s team:

• Philanthropy and Partnerships are a dedicated and motivated team who all believe strongly in our mission and values. We have ambitious growth plans with a large focus on growing and diversifying our pipeline
• We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation Directorate and are a currently a team of 19

What we’re looking for in our Philanthropy and Partnerships Senior Events Officer:

• Extensive experience of high value fundraising event creation, management and associated evaluation
• Experience of developing and delivering a range of event formats, including large-scale and bespoke events.
• Project Management experience, ideally within a fundraising or charity context, managing high profile events
• Experience of tracking and monitoring spend within a budget
• Experience of planning ahead e.g. planning an events programme

What we can offer you:

• range of health benefits
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 8th February 2026

Virtual interview date: 17th & 18th February 2026

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

• Anonymised application form
• Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams
• Final stage interview (dependent on first stage interviews)

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication and organisational skills to support with developing and communicating policy positions that contribute to the charity’s key strategic objectives.

In this dynamic role, you’ll work as a core part of the team and across the wider organisation to coordinate and draft responses to consultations and lead on responding to policy enquiries.

Your ability to influence and work together with others will help you to succeed as Policy Officer to learn from colleagues and external networks in order to contribute to policy positions, confidently represent Diabetes UK and influence others appropriately.

You will also be keen to seek out opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills and have an appetite to develop expert knowledge in particular policy areas.

Join us and be a part of something truly transformative. Together, we can change the narrative around diabetes and make a positive difference to the lives of people impacted by the condition.

Senior Programme Manager (maternity cover)

Hours:  35 hours per week

Contract: 9 to 12 months maternity cover

Salary: £37,800 + 7% pension contribution

Location: mainly remote, with in-person working from a central London location as required

Reports to:  Interim CEO 

Direct report: line managing a small team of 2 to 3

Is this you? If so, this job may be for you…

• Do you want to make a mark in the first year of a brand new programme?

• Do you have a passion for supporting young people to access professional careers?

• Do you have experience leading learning sessions and events for young people, both online and in person?

• Are you adaptable, capable of transitioning between direct engagement with young people, and focusing on the project management and administrative aspects of the role?

About The Brokerage

The Brokerage is an award-winning, social mobility charity. For 30 years, we have supported over 87k less-advantaged young people to fulfil their potential through improved awareness and access to professional career opportunities.  Together with our talented young people and top UK companies, we are breaking down barriers to a more diverse and talented workforce.

Our mission is twofold - to empower working-class and ethnically diverse young people (16-25) to recognise their strengths, gain skills, and access opportunities to reach their career potential. We are also building a dynamic alliance with forward-thinking employers to support them in accessing and retaining this talent. Together, we develop an inclusive and equitable workforce, one that authentically mirrors the rich diversity of our society.

The Team

The Brokerage is starting a new chapter with our Next Gen Talent Career Programme, embarking on a renewed journey that will see us work with our young people and partners in a deeper and more impactful way.

We are an interconnected, diverse, mission-led team that truly lives our values. As such, we are bold and dynamic in our approach to our work whilst fostering a trust-based environment that provides freedom, flexibility and autonomy. We take a people-centred approach when it comes to our team, young people and corporate partners and we make decisions and develop programmes that are insight-led. 

Our Programme

This is an exciting time to join The Brokerage and play a vital role in rolling out our brand new Next Gen Talent Programme. The programme is a two-stage career progression initiative designed to equip working-class young people with the employability skills and guidance necessary for success in the corporate world, with the ultimate aim of supporting our young people to secure and sustain a professional career. 

Role purpose and main responsibilities

To lead our work on the Next Gen Talent Career Programme and support our other programmes helping young people (aged 16 to 25) access careers in professional services, banking, insurance and property. 

Through our programmes, we help to develop young people so that they are equipped with the professional insights and skills needed for the workplace. We do this via a high-quality curriculum of events, including masterclasses, bootcamps, career coaching  and mentoring that involve our corporate volunteers.

The Senior Programme Manager will take the lead on delivering the programme and outcomes across the Next Gen Talent Career Programme; whilst working in a highly collaborative and flexible way alongside our other senior programme managers, career coach and the volunteering and events manager.

Main Responsibilities

• Project manage the Next Gen Talent Career Programme to ensure that participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to access professional careers in Engineering.

• Manage the recruitment process for the Next Gen Talent Career Programme, including advertising the programme to our existing pool of students and wider stakeholders, managing the application and interview process. 

• Work with young people, corporates, funders and consortium delivery partners to develop and enhance programme delivery.

• Manage the promotion and delivery of high-quality in-person and online events; facilitating sessions where necessary, working with the career coach, volunteering and events manager and freelance staff.

• Develop engaging programme collateral to maintain relevance and quality, working alongside the communications team and incorporating participant feedback and sector insights

• Manage relationships, communications and briefings for funders, corporate partners and volunteers.

• Oversee and deliver one-to-one guidance for candidates, working with the career coach to ensure their engagement with the programme and to support placement applications. 

• Contribute to the retention of all corporate partners by overseeing the creation of engaging, responsive and cost–effective project plans, working alongside the partnerships team

• Set, track and monitor targets and KPIs, working with the interim CEO to ensure programme deliverables are monitored and achieved. 

• Provide regular information reports and updates for The Brokerage Senior Management Team, Board of Trustees, funders and consortium delivery partners.

• Play an active role in the planning and delivery of The Brokerage’s strategic objectives and participate in events and activities for The Brokerage as required.

• Maintain up-to-date records on our CRM system (Salesforce).

• Contribute to the development and implementation of our employer products working closely with the Interim CEO,  and relevant team members.

• Line Management of a small team of 2 to 3.

• Lead on discrete tasks outside of day to day job as appropriate. 

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience working with young people and building relationships with a range of stakeholders. 

• A strong understanding of early careers recruitment/application processes.

• A dynamic personality with strong written and verbal communication, combined with empathy and patience, to effectively engage with diverse individuals.

• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities, including administrative aspects. 

• The ability to balance firmness with sensitivity when necessary, particularly in managing relationships and safeguarding the well-being of young people.

• Relevant lived and/or professional experience (i.e. experience of the challenges faced by those from less-advantaged backgrounds)

• A growth mindset, open to feedback, learning and development 

• Excellent IT skills, including demonstrable usage of  CRM databases (e.g. Salesforce or equivalent) and other tech tools.

If you think that you are the right candidate for this role but don’t quite meet 100% of the criteria, be bold, apply anyway!

Other benefits: 

• 28 days’ paid annual leave (3 to be taken at Christmas) plus Bank Holidays plus one day birthday leave

• Employee Assistance Programme

• A collaborative, diverse, mission-led team that works within a flexible,  trust-based environment

How to apply: 

Please complete the application form along with an upload of your CV.

Closing date: Friday 13th February 2026 at 12 noon. 

Please note that interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis, and vacancies may be filled prior to the closing date if we find the right candidate.

Interview process: We will conduct a two-stage interview process that will include competency and scenario-based questions, alongside practical skills-based assessments. 

If you would like to find out more about this role, please get in touch!

The Brokerage is committed to providing equal opportunities to prospective and current employees. It is the policy of The Brokerage to ensure that access to employment, training and career progression is determined solely by the application of objective and legitimate criteria and individual merit. If you require specific adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to support you. 

Keychange is a Christian charity with a proud history of supporting people invulnerable situations for over a century. We believe that everyone has dignity and worth, and that people thrive best in communities where they are known, valued and supported. Across our care homes and housing communities, we seek to provide support that goes beyond compliance and is rooted in compassion, excellence and Christian values.

We are now seeking a Director of Operations to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our services and ensuring that our vision is lived out every day across the organisation.

The role

As Director of Operations, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, working closely with the CEO and Board to translate strategy into high-quality, sustainable delivery with exciting future developments ahead.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across 7 care homes and 3 housing communities in the south of England, leading and supporting a talented operations team to deliver safe, effective and person-centred services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing visible leadership that embeds Keychange’s Christian vision, values and culture across all services
• Leading and overseeing multi-site operations, ensuring consistently high standards of care, safeguarding and support
• Holding accountability for regulatory compliance, quality assurance and service improvement
• Driving operational excellence, innovation and efficiency through effective systems and processes
• Ensuring services are financially sustainable, working closely with finance colleagues on budgets and resources
• Developing, coaching and inspiring senior managers and leaders to perform at their best

This is a senior role with real influence – both on the strategic direction of Keychange and on the lives of hundreds of people we support.

About you

We are looking for a values-led, strategic and credible leader who brings:

• Senior leadership experience within social care, housing, homelessness or a closely related sector
• A proven track record of leading multi-site services and managing senior operational leaders
• Strong experience of working within regulated environments and delivering high-quality, compliant services
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, with experience of managing budgets and resources  of a similar scale to Keychange (250 staff across 10 sites)
• A passion for developing people, culture and values-driven practice
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and active agreement with the Keychange mission, vision and faith basis. (This is a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010)

You will be someone who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, and who leads with integrity, humility and purpose.

What we offer

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role where your professional expertise and Christian faith can make a lasting and meaningful difference.

The role involves regular travel across our sites in the south of England with flexibility around base location.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising and Partnerships and programme delivery colleagues, you will support senior-level engagement where appropriate and lead the progression, follow-up, and delivery of opportunities across the corporate and foundation pipeline. You will play a key role in shaping fundable opportunities with donors, translating organisational, programme delivery and research priorities into compelling, donor‑aligned funding propositions. You will help turn interest into commitment by building trusted relationships, identifying new opportunities, and producing high-quality, persuasive funding proposals and delivering partnership goals.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys relationship-building, has excellent writing skills, understands the motivations of corporate and foundation donors, and is energised by seeing opportunities move forward and convert into income. We are a small and collaborative team, and so you will be happy engage in all aspects of the fundraising cycle and to provide support colleagues across the team as required.

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.