Location: Our team have the option to work 60% of the time on-site, 40% at home. Our office is based in Central London (WC1B).

Contract type: Permanent.

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday. Part-time could be considered.

Deadline for applications: Thursday, 4th June 2026.

Role Purpose:

Reporting to the Centre's Executive Director, and working closely with Royal Foundation and Kensington Palace teams, this is a key leadership role for Centre - designing and implementing our ambitious programme of work to drive action on the extraordinary impact of early childhood. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Together with the Executive Director and the Centre senior leadership team, provide strong and optimistic leadership to inspire a sense of shared purpose and develop a high performing team. 

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Centre team and key stakeholders to design and evolve the overarching Centre strategy, supporting strategic decision-making and planning processes.

• Lead on the design of new ideas from concept to launch, taking on board varied ideas and perspectives, and adapting and evolving the scope of work to ensure alignment and impact.  

• Stay abreast of the external, sector and policy landscape across the UK - and with an eye on the international - to support horizon scanning and inform the design and delivery of our work. 

• Provide subject matter expertise and sound counsel to internal and senior stakeholders, to support strategic decision-making and prioritisation, and maintain the integrity of our work.  

• Provide oversight of the Centre's research plans and activities to ensure our programme builds on the latest insights and evidence, and that we're able to demonstrate the impact of our work. 

• Build and maintain strong external networks across the health, education, policy and voluntary and community sectors, acting as a trusted, credible voice and engaging effectively at senior level. 

• Steward the Centre's Expert Advisory Group, maintaining and making the  most of their engagement to inform and maximise the impact of our programme of work. 

• Conduct rapid stakeholder engagement and/or desk research as and when required, to develop briefings and to develop clear and robust recommendations.

• Work closely with the Foundation's Director of Research and Impact, as well as the Centre's Research and Impact Manager, to measure and communicate the Centre's Impact, and to support Board reporting, donor stewardship and external communications. 

Relevant Knowledge, Experience and Personal Qualities: 

Knowledge & Experience:

• Passionate about creating a healthier, happier society by transforming experiences of early childhood, with the ability to work within the non-political constraints of The Royal Foundation. 

• Comfortable working at all levels, from strategic leadership to hands-on delivery. 

• Broad subject-matter expertise and strong cross-sector experience in relation to early child development and the people, services and systems that support this. 

• Established relationships and network at a senior level across the system, with ability to engage new and existing stakeholders to shape and support our work. 

• Strong working knowledge of key policy and sector issues, and confident in staying abreast of the national and international landscape to feed into horizon scanning and strategy. 

• Knowledge and experience of commissioning and using a range of research methodologies to create a case for change, inform programme design, and evidence impact. 

• Experience of developing and/or working with impact frameworks and of implementing impact evaluation strategies. 

Personal Qualities:

• Ability to adjust communication style for a range of audiences and quick to build relationships of trust with key stakeholders. 

• Ability to rapidly assimilate evidence, insights and intelligence to clearly communicate opportunities and risks to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Skilled in making sense of a complex evidence and policy landscape for a range of audiences. 

• Flexible, hands-on and pragmatic approach, and comfortable working within a context of uncertainty, challenge and change. 

• Strong time management and organisational skills. Able to work independently, prioritise own tasks and time, manage a varied workload and work under pressure. 

• Combines a collaborative approach with accountability and an ability to drive action and decision-making. 

• Adaptable and has a flexible approach to plans, able to respond confidently and positively to changing scenarios, seize opportunities and solve problems.

• Understands the importance of discretion and confidentiality and the need for a mature and professional approach. 

The Royal Foundation is a high-profile organisation, and the successful candidate will appreciate the importance of discretion and confidentiality and have a mature and professional approach. 

Our Vision, Mission and Values:

The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation lead with the belief that change is always possible and are committed to building innovative, collaborative and optimistic solutions that deliver positive impact where it matters most. 

Together, Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation have an unparalleled ability to take a long-term view and unite people, ideas and resources; inspiring action to deliver meaningful change for a better future for individuals, communities, society and our planet.

We unite people and purpose to create a better future – for individuals, communities, society and the planet.

We spark progress by connecting people, ideas and ambition.

The Royal Foundation brings together experts, communities and organisations to pilot and scale solutions – including building coalitions to tackle homelessness, laying societal foundations through our early childhood work, advancing mental health support and championing conservation. By turning insight into action, we help create stronger communities and a healthier future for people and the planet.

Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation bring together voices from every corner of society – forging powerful partnerships and taking a long-term view to create space for fresh thinking and shared ambition.

We believe that when people connect with purpose and empathy, real and lasting change is possible which is what The Royal Foundation’s values reflect:

• Uniquely ambitious – We think big; we are curious; and we strive for excellence to drive progress for people and planet.

• Respectfully honest – We communicate clearly, transparently, and candidly; we give and receive feedback with honesty; and we celebrate successes openly and own our setbacks embracing the opportunity for growth.

• Collectively impactful – We are agile; we seek out, celebrate, and respect diverse perspectives; and we support one another to find balance and achieve more together.

Employee benefits:

As an employee of The Royal Foundation, you will be entitled to:

• 25 days of holiday per year, plus UK bank holidays.

• Your birthday off to celebrate.

• Two volunteering days per year.

• An 8% employer pension contribution, with the option to contribute to this yourself too.

• Life Assurance.

• Access to wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Programme and online platform.

• Private medical insurance (available after probation).

• Healthcare cash plan (available after probation).

If you have the relevant skills and enthusiasm for this role, then we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your application using the form provided.