Director of Young People's Participation and Progression

South Hampshire College Group; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Regular training and development

Job summary

South Hampshire College Group is seeking an exceptional leader to join the senior leadership team as Director of Young People's Participation and Progression. You will shape the Group's strategy to improve youth participation, progression, and social mobility across communities.

Leading across partnerships with local authorities, schools, employers, and community organisations, you will develop the Youth Participation & Opportunity Hub and drive measurable improvements in destinations

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading youth participation, education, employability, or social mobility initiatives.
• Experience building and guiding cross-organisational programmes.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative leadership for youth participation, progression, and opportunity across the Group.
• Lead initiatives to improve youth engagement, positive destinations, and social impact.
• Oversee curriculum, support services, employer engagement, and partnerships to boost participation outcomes.
• Manage performance, funding, and resources to maximise impact for young people.

Skills

Youth engagement

Strategic leadership

Partnership development

Stakeholder management

Policy influence

Job description

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.

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 skills.
• Has experience of managing complex programmes, projects, budgets, and funding streams.
• Is passionate about improving opportunities and outcomes for young people.
• Can inspire teams, influence stakeholders, and drive lasting change.
• Has a clear understanding of current challenges relating to youth participation, NEET prevention, employability, and social inclusion.

The South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is a dynamic, purpose driven Further Education organisation with a commitment to Creating Better Futures for learners, employers and communities within South Hampshire and beyond.

We pride ourselves on living our values - Collaborative, Inclusive and Aspirational. We also understand the difference exceptional employees can make to us delivering outstanding results and we are always seeking to attract talent who can add value and who will be proud to be part of our growing organisation.