Head of Programmes

Job description

At The Elephant Group, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s where we come in. We’re on a mission to create fairer access to top universities. As Head of Programmes, you’ll be key to driving this change.

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of our transformative programmes - **Elephant Access** and** Meta Method**. Your work will directly contribute to breaking barriers, ensuring our programmes not only meet but exceed their potential. This is an opportunity to blend strategic thinking, project management, delivery and partnership building while using your analytical mindset and curiosity to continually improve outcomes and ensure excellence.

You’ll personally deliver elements of content to young people and other stakeholders, oversee the evaluation of programme impact, lead two direct reports, manage relationships with key partners and contribute to the development of strategies to promote fairer access.

Beyond programme leadership, you’ll drive collaborations with industry and third-sector organisations, leveraging their expertise and resources to improve our programmes and create solutions that promote opportunity.

You'll be joining a small charity that has grown rapidly in reach since our launch and has big plans for the future. In 2024 we were short listed for the “Student Mobility Impact Award” and our inspiring CEO Jayne Taylor, was a finalist in the “Rising Chief Executive” category at the Third Sector Awards.

**Job Details**

**Salary**: £45,000 - £50,000 depending on experience

Hours: Full-time only

Benefits: 28 days holiday plus 3 days at Christmas and bank holidays, 5% pension contribution, flexible working, training & development opportunities

Based: Remote - a suitable home working space is expected with equipment provided. Frequent organisational travel is expected with expenses paid. (You will need to be based in or very close to one of our hubs, Greater London, Midlands or Yorkshire)

Line Manager: CEO

Direct reports: Programme co-ordinators

Start Date: As soon as possible

**Key Responsibilities**

**Programme Management**
- Lead and be responsible for the delivery of The Elephant Group’s programmes across all partnerships including large scale events. This will include personally delivering content to young people, presentations to stakeholders and acting as a facilitator.
- Manage relationships with external partners, ensuring high-quality programme delivery and compliance with contractual obligations, including reporting.
- Lead monitoring and evaluation processes, working to assess programme impact and refine delivery.
- Manage programme budgets, ensuring financial accountability and providing regular updates to the CEO.

**Programme Development and Innovation**
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance programme quality, reach, and impact.
- Use all forms of information provision to continually improve programmes and measure programme efficacy.
- Develop clear project plans for all programmes ensuring smooth delivery.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives and support funding bids in collaboration with the Head of Operations and Development.

**Team Leadership and Organisational Contribution**
- Line manage programme staff, providing support, development opportunities, and guidance to ensure effective delivery.
- Contribute to organisational leadership, working closely with senior colleagues to align programme delivery with broader strategic goals.
- Represent The Elephant Group at external events and speaking engagements, as well as supporting fundraising and partner activities as required.

**Why join us?**

**Great company culture**

Our small, friendly team is committed to the mission of social justice. We are ambitious and hard working; we make decisions quickly and action them. We value professionalism, curiosity, innovation, speed and collaboration.

**Flexibility**

This role is offered remotely with frequent travel to locations in our regions to deliver our programmes and meet with stakeholders. Typically, this will be around once or twice a week depending on the time of year.

**Excellent package**

A competitive salary and generous leave

**Professional development**

We support our employees to develop with formal and informal opportunities. Our fantastic Chief Executive is passionate about staff development, promoting from within and giving staff the appropriate tools and autonomy to thrive and deliver great outcomes.