Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is seeking a Director of Programmes, a senior leadership role central to our mission of building a more integrated and less divided society. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver impactful programmes across England and Wales during a period of growth and strategic ambition.
The Director of Programmes will lead Belong’s programme portfolio, ensuring quality, consistency, and measurable impact. You will oversee the design, delivery, evaluation, and learning of place-based cohesion initiatives, aligning all activities with Belong’s mission and strategic objectives. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, you will contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation.
Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Programme Leadership: Develop and deliver innovative programmes informed by research and systems thinking. Ensure integration with policy and research priorities.
Team Leadership: Line manage Assistant Director, Programme Leads, and Coordinators, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations. Represent Belong at national forums and lead co-design approaches with partners.
Organisational Development: Support income generation through proposal development and funder engagement. Share insights to inform future strategy.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios within the charity, NGO, or public sector, strong strategic thinking skills, and familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.Knowledge of social cohesion and integration issues is essential, with desirable experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, or addressing community tensions.
Personal qualities include being passionate about social cohesion, a strategic and visionary thinker, collaborative leader, and politically astute. This is a permanent, full-time role with a salary of £65,000–£70,000, based UK-wide with regular travel across England and Wales. Belong offers 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and enhanced family-friendly benefits.