Director of Young 's Participation

Position: Director of Young People's Participation and Progression
Location: Oldbury

Care to Join Us? South Hampshire College Group is seeking an exceptional, visionary, and influential leader to join our senior leadership team as Director of Young People's Participation and Progression. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the Group's strategic response to youth participation, progression, employability, social mobility, and civic engagement. The role will focus on identifying, engaging, supporting, and progressing young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), at risk of becoming NEET, or facing barriers to education, training, and employment.

As Director, you will lead the development and delivery of the Group's Youth Participation & Opportunity Strategy and Hub, working collaboratively with local authorities, schools, employers, community organisations, support agencies, and internal teams to create meaningful opportunities and positive destinations for young people across our communities. This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people while strengthening the Group's contribution to social mobility, economic growth, and community prosperity.

We offer great benefits including;
Generous annual leave Enhanced employer pension contribution Regular training and development Duties Strategic Leadership Provide authoritative leadership for youth participation, progression, and opportunity across the Group. Lead institutional initiatives that improve youth engagement, positive destinations, and social impact. Ensure curriculum, support services, employer engagement, and partnership activity contribute to improved participation outcomes. Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.

Partnerships and Civic Leadership Develop and strengthen strategic relationships with local authorities, schools, multi-academy trusts, employers, youth organisations, and community partners. Act as a senior ambassador for South Hampshire College Group. Represent the Group on local, regional, and national boards, forums, and partnerships. Position the Group as a leading civic institution committed to improving opportunities for young people. Youth Participation & Opportunity Hub Lead the establishment, development, and continuous improvement of the Hub.

Develop effective referral, assessment, triage, and case-management systems. Coordinate interventions that support progression into education, apprenticeships, employment, supported internships, and training. Ensure a 'no wrong door' approach to supporting young people. Progression and Employability Work with curriculum and employer engagement teams to expand progression opportunities. Develop pathways that meet the needs of learners with varying levels of attainment, confidence, and readiness.

Support the growth of work experience, employer mentoring, industry placements, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. Lead initiatives that reduce barriers and improve progression outcomes. Data, Performance and Impact Develop performance frameworks and reporting systems that measure engagement, participation, progression, destinations, and impact. Use data and evidence to inform decision-making and resource allocation. Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Report regularly to senior leaders, governors, funders, and external stakeholders.

Funding and Sustainability Identify and secure external funding opportunities. Develop investment proposals, business cases, and strategic partnerships. Ensure resources are deployed effectively to maximise impact and value for money. Support the long-term sustainability and growth of successful initiatives. Leadership and People Management Lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion. Ensure effective performance management, workforce planning, and professional development.

Build organisational capability to deliver outstanding outcomes for young people. Experience We are looking for an experienced strategic leader who:
Has a proven track record of leading youth engagement, education, employability, skills, community, or social mobility initiatives. Possesses extensive experience of partnership development and stakeholder management. Has experience working with local authorities, schools, employers, and community organisations. Demonstrates strong strategic planning, analytical, and leadership…