At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead evidence generation to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Foundations, the national What Works Centre for Children & Families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to influence national policy.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience and strong research expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 105575 - 105575 £ per year.
Salary: £105,575 per annum
Location: London (Hybrid)
Turning evidence into better outcomes for children and families.
Foundations is the national What Works Centre for Children & Families, established in 2022 with a clear ambition: to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families through evidence that strengthens services and support. Working at the intersection of research, policy and practice, Foundations generates and synthesises evidence, translates findings into practical tools and works with partners across government, academia and local authorities to ensure research informs better decisions for children and families.
Having established a strong platform for growth, Foundations is now looking for an Executive Director of Evidence to help shape its next chapter. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will join the Strategic Leadership Team, helping shape organisational strategy and direction while leading the Evidence team. You will oversee a portfolio of research, evaluation and evidence synthesis, ensuring the highest standards of quality, rigour and impact. You will also build influential relationships across government, academia and the wider sector, helping to shape national policy, address critical evidence gaps and ensure research translates into meaningful improvements in practice. With scope to influence the organisation’s future direction, you will also explore how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can strengthen research and evidence generation responsibly.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Strategic leadership experience, with a track record of shaping organisational strategy, leading teams and contributing to performance and long-term sustainability.
- Strong research and evaluation expertise, with a background in a relevant field and a thorough understanding of research methodologies, evaluation and evidence synthesis.
- The ability to influence policy and practice, ensuring research informs decision-making and drives meaningful change across children’s services.
- Excellent stakeholder and partnership skills, with experience engaging Boards or Trustees, influencing senior stakeholders and securing significant funding or partnerships.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a commitment to high research standards, good governance, financial stewardship and equitable outcomes for children and families.
A relevant postgraduate qualification, such as in social policy, developmental psychology or public health, is desirable, although equivalent experience will also be considered.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a growing national organisation, influence the future of children’s services and ensure that robust evidence leads to better outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
Recruitment Timetable:
- Closing Deadline: Sunday 15th November
- Prospectus Interviews: 20th November – 25th November
- Interviews with Foundations: w/c 30th November & w/c 7th December
Executive Director of Evidence in London employer: Prospectus | B Corp
At WWF, we pride ourselves on being a leading global environmental charity that not only protects nature but actively works to restore it for future generations. Our hybrid work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, providing employees with meaningful opportunities to contribute to impactful decision-making at the board level. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we encourage diverse perspectives and offer comprehensive support for professional growth, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Evidence in London
✨Get Involved Locally
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Prospectus | B Corp.
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Evidence in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Prospectus | B Corp. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Executive Director of Evidence, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospectus | B Corp
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Prospectus | B Corp. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
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