National Programme Director

This fully funded role runs until 31st May 2029 and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a major new initiative supporting young people across the UK.

Please note: this role is subject to The King's Trust securing funding.

We are committed to only making appointments once funding and contract awards have been confirmed, ensuring full transparency for all candidates.

Lead a National Movement

This is a rare opportunity to lead the design, delivery and launch of a major nationwide initiative that aims to transform outcomes for young people.

Launching in April 2027, the programme will combine a national awareness campaign, digital platform, mentoring interventions and cross-sector partnerships to connect young people with the support, relationships and opportunities they need to thrive.

Reporting to senior leadership and working with high-profile partners, you will have end-to-end accountability for turning an ambitious vision into measurable impact at national scale.

Millions of young people need stronger connections, greater confidence and better access to opportunities.

This programme is designed to bring together communities , businesses, trusted adults and partners around a shared ambition: ensuring every young person has someone who believes in them and the support they need to take positive steps towards their future.

As National Programme Director, you will be accountable for delivering the programme's vision, impact and scale.

You will build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, manage significant investment, shape influential partnerships and ensure the voices of young people remain at the heart of everything we do.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience of

• Leading large-scale, multi-million-pound programmes from strategy through to delivery and launch.
• Managing complex stakeholder environment across government, corporate and community partners.
• Delivering digital products, platforms or customer-focused services.
• Leading national campaigns or initiatives designed to drive behaviour change or social impact.
• Managing matrix teams and influencing across organisational boundaries.
• Using data, insight and commercial understanding to drive performance, impact and return on investment.
• Embedding inclusion, accessibility and user-centred design into programme delivery.
• A visionary leader who inspires others around a compelling purpose.
• An excellent relationship builder who can influence at the most senior levels.
• Commercially astute and comfortable managing significant budgets and investments.
• Passionate about improving outcomes for young people.
• Energised by building something new, navigating complexity and turning ambition into action.

Experience of delivering large-scale change programmes, national campaigns, digital products or service propositions will be particularly valuable.

Join us If you're motivated by the opportunity to lead a nationally significant initiative, shape a new proposition from the ground up and create meaningful impact for young people across the UK, we'd love to hear from you.

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.

The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law.

We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us.

We want to continue having a positive impact on young people's lives, and we couldn't do this without the important work of the National Programme Director!

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year

• Flexible working!

Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)

• You can volunteer for and/or attend events - The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc.
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks - KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
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