Director of Programmes, BELONG - Cohesion AND Integration Network

Director of Programmes – BELONG

Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026

Be among the first 25 applicants.

About the Role: The Director of Programmes is a senior leadership position at the heart of Belong’s mission to build a more integrated and less divided society. You will hold overall responsibility for the design, delivery and impact of Belong’s programmes across the UK, leading a team of Programme Leads and Associates and partnering closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to shape strategy and organisational growth.

• Strategic Programme Leadership: Lead the strategic development and delivery of place‑based programmes, ensuring alignment with Belong’s mission, values and objectives; oversee programme design, delivery, evaluation and learning; line‑manage Assistant Director, Programme Leads and Programme Coordinators; apply systems thinking; maintain quality, consistency and impact across all delivery areas; work closely with the Policy & Research team to inform research priorities.
• Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, local authorities and community organisations; oversee the management of politically sensitive work; represent Belong at national forums, events and networks; lead co‑design and collaborative approaches; identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding.
• Organisational Development: Contribute to Belong’s strategic planning and organisational growth; develop new programme models and approaches; support income generation through proposal development and funder engagement; share learning and insights across the organisation.
• Note:
  
  This list is indicative and not exhaustive.

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios.
• Strong insights and/or experience in delivering programmes in a related field.
• Experience working at a senior level in charity, NGO or public sector.
• Strong leadership and line management skills.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Ability to manage stakeholders from strategic to community level.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Experience in income generation and bid development.
• Understanding of social cohesion and integration issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Experience in impact measurement and evaluation.
• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Project and risk management skills.

Desirable: experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions/hate crime/misinformation.

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Diplomatic and politically astute.
• Practical, focused and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Submit CV and answers (max 400 words each) to  Email subject: Application to role of Director of Programmes. Deadline: 23:59, Monday 12 January 2026.

Interview rounds:

Job Title: Director of Programmes

Working Hours: Full‑time

Location: UK‑wide, with regular travel across England and Wales

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £65,000–£70,000

Benefits: 30 days annual leave, Hybrid working (3 days in office), Enhanced sick pay, Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.

Belong is the UK’s leading not‑for‑profit network focused on social cohesion. We work with communities, local authorities and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging and resilience through innovative programmes, research and policy influence. Our membership includes local authorities, charities, civil society and business.

Belong Delivers:

• Place‑based cohesion and intercultural work.
• Research and policy to build the evidence base and influence national change.
• Training, consultancy and leadership development.
• Knowledge sharing, networks, learning events and thought leadership.

Belong is collaborative, evidence‑led and learning‑driven, celebrating the benefits of diversity and operating within an equalities framework. Belong is independent, professional, transparent and committed to convening bold conversations to move beyond differences, strengthen social bonds and build common ground.