Senior Director, Head of CQF Institute

Overview

The Senior Director, Head of CQF Institute will lead the strategic direction and operational management of the CQF Institute, ensuring its continued success within the Banking & Financial Services sector. This role is based in London and requires a proactive leader with expertise in the not-for-profit industry.

This role sits within a major international financial education provider offering training, qualifications, e‑learning, and development programmes for professionals at all levels. The organisation operates globally, partnering with financial institutions, regulators, and academic bodies to deliver world‑class learning solutions.

You will be part of a dynamic, growth‑focused environment with strong senior leadership support. The team collaborates closely with global colleagues, industry practitioners, and advisory boards to ensure relevance, innovation, and commercial success.

• Define and execute the CQF Institute's long‑term growth strategy.
• Expand membership globally and identify new market opportunities within quantitative finance.
• Build strategic partnerships with financial institutions, universities, regulators, and industry associations.
• Strengthen and grow premium membership offerings.
• Develop new programmes, services, and products that fill market gaps.
• Create sustainable revenue streams through innovative commercial models.
• Shape and deliver a high‑impact thought‑leadership agenda.
• Represent the Institute at global forums, conferences, and industry events.
• Build senior‑level relationships with C‑suite executives, regulators, and key industry leaders.
• Build career‑development pathways and resources for members at all career stages.
• Establish employer partnerships and enhance industry recognition of the CQF qualification.
• Expand networking opportunities and employer engagement globally.
• Chair advisory boards of senior industry leaders to guide the Institute's direction.
• Implement governance frameworks, operational structures, and scalable processes.
• Lead a high‑performing, mission‑driven team and cultivate a member‑centric culture.
• Ensure financial sustainability through effective resource allocation and commercial discipline.

Hold the CQF qualification (or be willing to complete it upon joining).

Have 15+ years' progressive leadership experience in financial services, education, fintech, or membership organisations.

Bring proven experience developing and commercialising membership or certification programmes.

Demonstrate strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and analytical capability.

Have experience building and leading high‑performing teams through growth and change.

Possess exceptional relationship management skills and gravitas to engage senior stakeholders.

Understand the quantitative finance landscape and its evolving skill requirements.

Communicate with clarity and authority in senior forums.

Have experience establishing or chairing advisory boards or governance groups.

• Experience leading a professional body, membership organisation, or industry institute.
• Strong global network within quantitative finance.
• Recognised thought leadership credentials (publications, speaking engagements, research).
• Experience operating within a matrixed global organisation.
• A track record of launching and scaling new commercial initiatives.

The package will be competitive.