Expression of Interest Executive Director, Strategy & Evidence

ETIO; England; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave plus bank

Flexible working culture

Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Work from Anywhere globally (up to 8 w

Paid volunteer day

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

3% employer pension contribution

Job summary

ETIO is seeking an Executive Director, Strategy & Evidence to lead strategy, evidence, learning and programme intelligence for a significant national education programme. This remote/flexible role involves travel across England and a 37.5-hour week with potential for Associate engagement.

The postholder will translate evidence into strategic actions, oversee research and evaluation, and ensure learning is embedded throughout the programme lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Significant senior experience in strategy, research, evidence, evaluation, policy or a related discipline.
• Experience developing and implementing strategy within complex organisations or programmes.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using evidence and data to inform strategic decisions.
• Strong understanding of research, evaluation and learning methodologies.
• Experience translating complex evidence into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of organisational and programme strategy.
• Develop strategic priorities, objectives and long-term plans.
• Establish an evidence-led approach to programme design and decision-making.
• Create an integrated approach to research, evaluation, evidence and learning across a complex national programme.
• Translate evidence, insight and data into practical recommendations and strategic actions.
• Establish mechanisms for capturing and embedding learning from programme delivery.
• Monitor emerging evidence, research and sector developments.
• Work closely with delivery teams to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Lead strategic planning and performance review processes.
• Develop thought leadership and evidence-based outputs where appropriate.
• Support senior stakeholders with strategic insight, analysis and recommendations.
• Ensure learning is embedded into programme development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Evidence-informed decision-making

Research & evaluation

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About The Role

Expression of Interest: Executive Director, Strategy & Evidence

Location: Remote/Flexible, with travel across England as required

Contract Type: 2 years, subject to programme award (or Associate engagement)

Salary: £95,000-£110,000 FTE or up to £800 daily rate

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time equivalent)

Closing Date: 6/11/2026:

A Senior Opportunity to Shape Strategy, Evidence and Learning

Etio is developing plans for a significant national programme and is seeking expressions of interest from experienced leaders in strategy, research, evaluation and evidence.

The Executive Director, Strategy & Evidence will provide strategic leadership across the programme, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence, research, insight and learning from delivery.

This role will connect strategy with implementation, using evidence, evaluation and programme intelligence to strengthen impact, improve outcomes and inform future direction. Working closely with executive colleagues, delivery teams and stakeholders, the postholder will ensure that strategic decisions are grounded in evidence and that learning is embedded throughout the programme lifecycle.

You Will

• Lead the development and implementation of organisational and programme strategy.
• Develop strategic priorities, objectives and long-term plans.
• Establish an evidence-led approach to programme design and decision-making.
• Create an integrated approach to research, evaluation, evidence and learning across a complex national programme.
• Translate evidence, insight and data into practical recommendations and strategic actions.
• Establish mechanisms for capturing and embedding learning from programme delivery.
• Monitor emerging evidence, research and sector developments.
• Work closely with delivery teams to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Lead strategic planning and performance review processes.
• Develop thought leadership and evidence-based outputs where appropriate.
• Support senior stakeholders with strategic insight, analysis and recommendations.
• Ensure learning is embedded into programme development and continuous improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Significant senior experience in strategy, research, evidence, evaluation, policy or a related discipline.
• Experience developing and implementing strategy within complex organisations or programmes.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using evidence and data to inform strategic decisions.
• Strong understanding of research, evaluation and learning methodologies.
• Experience translating complex evidence into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proven track record of connecting strategy, evidence and practical delivery to achieve measurable outcomes.

Who We Are

Etio is a mission-driven organisation providing expertise to improve education systems and outcomes.

We work in partnership with the Department for Education and sector leaders to deliver high-quality national programmes that raise standards and strengthen the profession.

Benefits

We know our people are our greatest strength. That's why we offer a flexible, supportive culture and benefits that help you do your best work while supporting your wellbeing.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option to buy more)
• Flexible working culture
• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Work from Anywhere globally (up to 8 weeks per year)
• Paid volunteer day
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• 3% employer pension contribution

Accessibility and Adjustments

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the application or selection process, please let us know. We’re happy to support you.