Director of Strategic Programmes and Operations

About the Role

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.

About the Role details

Role overview: 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’ll 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.

Seniority: Director

Employment type: Contract

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