| Location: | Hybrid office and remote working as led by business need – with main presence at The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne. |
| Salary: | £83,663 - £88,633 per annum |
| Contract: | Full-time, Permanent |
| Reporting to: | Assistant Director Inclusive Futures |
| Closing Date: | 7 September 2025 |
We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to drive forward the North East Combined Authority’s bold ambitions to reduce child poverty and promote inclusive economic growth across the region. This pivotal role will shape and deliver strategies that tackle the systemic causes of child poverty, while advancing economic inclusion through targeted support for the foundational economy and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors.
In this leadership role, you will oversee the delivery of the region’s Child Poverty Action Plan and drive forward initiatives that enhance the capacity of the VCSE sector to support inclusive growth. You will be responsible for shaping and managing programmes that encourage philanthropy, business giving, and grant funding, unlocking additional resources to advance the Authority’s objectives. You will also play a key role in stewarding the Combined Authority’s relationships with the VCSE sector, ensuring these partnerships are embedded in the delivery of long-term, place-based impact.
Managing a small, exceptional team, and working across the organisation and with a wide range of partners, you will play a central role in translating strategic vision into impactful action, developing and delivering programmes that support inclusive economic participation, strengthen the foundational economy, and unlock opportunities for communities across the region. Your leadership will be instrumental in embedding economic inclusion across policy, delivery, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that every child and family can access the conditions needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the North East’s economy.
We’re looking for someone with senior-level experience in child poverty and/or economic inclusion, a strong track record of strategic programme delivery, and a deep understanding of the foundational economy and its role in building resilient communities. You will be a confident communicator, able to influence at the highest levels and lead with integrity and purpose.
With a deep understanding of inclusive growth and the challenges facing communities across the North East, you will be adept at translating strategy into impactful action. If you are passionate about making a lasting difference and have the leadership capability to drive change, we would love to hear from you.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in senior roles, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact:
- Adrian Dougherty, Assistant Director Inclusive Futures by email: adrian.dougherty@northeast-ca.gov.uk