Visionary Education Policy CEO (Remote | UK Focus)

Centre for Education Systems; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Centre for Education Systems is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the UK charity through its next development phase. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, oversee operations and a small core staff, and ensure research informs education policy.

This remote role reports to the Board of Trustees and involves fundraising to diversify income, engaging senior policymakers, researchers, and funders, and representing CES publicly.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex policy to diverse audiences.
• Understanding of how education policy is developed in the UK.
• Proven experience leading and developing a team within a matrix structure.
• Experience fundraising for charities or not-for-profit organisations.
• Ability to oversee organisational performance, operations and delivery.
• Experience managing budgets and financial reporting.
• Policy stakeholder engagement or public affairs experience.
• Established network across the UK education ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and translate CES's mission into clear priorities and plans.
• Lead, manage and support a matrix structure including core team and associates.
• Take overall responsibility for performance, development, recruitment and wellbeing.
• Secure and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships, and grants.
• Oversee CES's research portfolio with a focus on rigorous, timely outputs.
• Develop and deliver a network-building strategy with ministers, civil servants and funders.
• Act as spokesperson for CES in meetings, events and media.
• Oversee governance, risk management and compliance, and financial oversight.
• Report to the Board with timely, evidenced performance and risk information.
• Engage the Advisory Board across CES's research portfolio.

Skills

Communication skills

UK education policy

People management

Fundraising

Governance & reporting

Budgeting & finance

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Research understanding

Networking in education sector

Job description

Centre for Education Systems is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the UK charity through its next development phase. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, oversee operations and a small core staff, and ensure research informs education policy.

This remote role reports to the Board of Trustees and involves fundraising to diversify income, engaging senior policymakers, researchers, and funders, and representing CES publicly.