Portfolio Strategy Director – Lifelong Learning in London

Our client, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), is seeking a new Portfolio Strategy Director for its Lifelong Learning division which is an innovative and commercially focused division delivering executive education (custom and open), online programmes, and professional development to organisations and individuals worldwide. Underpinned by LSE's world-leading research in economics, social science and public policy, the division is committed to making LSE's teaching and thinking accessible to business and professional audiences, while growing revenues and impact.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (Education), the Portfolio Strategy Director plays a critical leadership role within the Lifelong Learning Division, with overall accountability for the development, delivery and quality assurance of LSE's lifelong learning portfolio. The role is central to the Division's mission to make LSE's research and thinking accessible to a global professional audience, ensuring that every programme achieves the highest standards of academic rigour, participant experience, and measurable learning impact, in a manner that reflects and enhances LSE's global reputation as a world-leading social science university.

Key responsibilities:

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the strategic direction of the Lifelong Learning Division, with particular responsibility for programme portfolio strategy, learning design standards, and quality assurance.
• Lead the development and implementation of a long-term programme strategy, ensuring the lifelong learning portfolio is coherent, market-driven, academically rigorous, and aligned with LSE's 2030 Strategy.
• Lead the end-to-end programme management of new lifelong learning programmes, working collaboratively with academic faculty, the Director of Commercial & Growth, to ensure programmes are intellectually compelling, commercially viable, and aligned with client and participant needs.
• Take overall accountability for the operational delivery of the LL portfolio, ensuring all programmes are delivered to the highest standards, on time, and within budget.
• Line manage the Senior Programme Managers (Open and Custom) and the broader Programme Management team.
• Lead LSE's participation in executive education rankings, and external quality frameworks.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with LSE academic faculty, ensuring their active and effective engagement in the design and delivery of LL programmes.
• Engage directly with senior client stakeholders on programme design, impact measurement, and continuous improvement, particularly for large-scale or strategic custom engagements.

Skills/experience:

• Substantial senior experience within executive education, lifelong learning, higher education, or professional development environments.
• Postgraduate qualification (Master’s or above) or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Deep knowledge of the global executive education and postgraduate professional market, including competitor landscape, employer demand, and emerging trends in credentialing and lifelong learning.
• Significant experience of developing and leading a complex portfolio of executive or professional programmes, with a clear track record of growth, quality enhancement, and positive participant outcomes.
• Experience contributing to divisional strategy and aligning portfolios to strategic and financial objectives.
• Extensive experience of leading end-to-end programme development and review, ensuring academic rigour, market relevance, and participant impact.
• Experience leading programme teams, establishing clear accountability, and driving high performance.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with academic colleagues and act as a credible intermediary between academic and professional stakeholders.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with experience leading through change and fostering continuous improvement.

A competitive reward package is offered.

Telfer Partners are retained to handle this opportunity.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, click on the Apply Now button below or send your CV and cover letter quoting reference TP 948. For a confidential discussion please contact us via our online form.

Closing date: 29/07/26. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we find a suitable candidate.

Referral Scheme: Telfer Partners offer a referral reward if this vacancy is filled by someone you recommend.

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