At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic programmes and operations to drive social impact and operational excellence.
- Company: Join The Guardian Foundation, a leader in media literacy and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference in media and empower underrepresented voices.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in programme management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Director of Strategic Programmes & Operations to help lead The Guardian Foundation through an important transition period, ensuring operational stability and programme excellence while progressing two key strategic projects that will shape the Foundation's future.
Our programmes enable change in three priority areas:
- News & media literacy: enhancing people's ability to evaluate news critically.
- Voice & agency: creating opportunities for inclusion in media.
- Media viability: strengthening liberal media to engage people with fact-based journalism.
Our programme participants are largely journalists, young people, and people who are underrepresented in the media industry, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, and disabled people. We recognise the value of lived experience and welcome candidates who can bring insight and perspective gained through their own lived experiences.
We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian Foundation. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audiences we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard, and they can contribute to our future.
This is a pivotal senior role for an experienced leader with a strong track record in strategic programme management, operational leadership, and governance. You will report directly to the Interim Executive Director and provide oversight of the organisation's operational backbone, while also leading high-impact programme delivery and driving forward strategic initiatives. You'll ensure the Foundation remains compliant and well-governed, support programme leads with planning and reporting, and line manage a small but talented team.
You will also lead two major projects:
- Develop, test and embed a new purpose-driven trading model, supporting our diversification of income streams.
- Social franchising: designing the operational, legal, and risk frameworks for international scale-up.
This is a hands-on role, suited to someone with a balance of strategic vision, operational rigour, and programme leadership skills, who is motivated by making a tangible social impact. We are looking to appoint someone to this post as soon as possible.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage programme oversight, ensuring accurate planning, budget tracking, and reporting to funders.
- Support income generation by contributing to funding bids, budgets, and delivery plans.
- Lead two major strategic projects.
- Line management of up to three staff, providing clear objectives, support, and development opportunities.
- Oversee governance processes, maintaining risk registers and ensuring GDPR compliance.
About You:
- Senior-level experience in programme and/or operations leadership in the charity or non-profit sector.
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead teams effectively.
- Financial acumen, including budget management and contract oversight.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The ability to balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day delivery.
- Experience in income generation within a non-profit setting.
- Familiarity with scaling programmes internationally.
- Knowledge of charity CRM and reporting systems.
How to Apply:
To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found, so we strongly encourage early applications.
All roles at the Guardian Foundation are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs.
Although this role is within The Guardian Foundation registered charity, staff are entitled to all benefits made available to Guardian News & Media employees, including:
- Culture & Wellbeing: inclusive employee forums, access to daily newsroom briefings, free yoga and pilates, corporate gym membership discount, cycle-to-work scheme.
- Learning & Development: a wide range of professional development opportunities, with support for vocational courses and qualifications.
- Workplace & Flexibility: modern office space at Kings Place with excellent facilities and hybrid working.
- Additional Benefits: 30 days annual leave plus 5 days purchase scheme, generous pension (5% employee / 8–12% employer), life cover, income protection, enhanced family leave, and specialist support policies including IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality.
Director of Strategic Programmes and Operations in London employer: The Guardian Foundation
The Guardian Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a commitment to social impact, employees benefit from generous leave policies, flexible working arrangements, and extensive development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful initiatives that promote access to journalism for underrepresented communities. Located in the heart of London at Kings Place, the Foundation fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Strategic Programmes and Operations in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by The Guardian Foundation.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
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 The Guardian Foundation.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at The Guardian Foundation.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at The Guardian Foundation. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategic Programmes and Operations 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 The Guardian Foundation. 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.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Strategic Programmes and Operations, 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 The Guardian Foundation
✨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 The Guardian Foundation. 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.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
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.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
