Director of Programmes and Partnerships, Cambridge Ahead

This is a very exciting opportunity to join an impactful not-for-profit organisation. Cambridge Ahead brings together business and academic members to promote the sustainable and inclusive growth of the Cambridge city region in the long-term. We are looking for a dynamic, delivery- focussed and attentive new Director of Programmes and Partnerships to continue our development and shape our varied portfolio of programmes as we move into our second decade.

Our current membership includes many of Cambridge’s most influential organisations, including the University of Cambridge, Arm, Bidwells, AstraZeneca and Marshall Group.  Together our membership represents a working population of approximately 45,000 people in the Cambridge region from 51 member organisations.

Our core principle is ‘Quality of Life for all’. Promoting sustainable economic growth and quality of life, we work closely with local and national government and other key stakeholders to generate action across key areas including Regional Economic Planning and Housing, Transport, Skills and Technology. We are also very proud of our Young Advisory Committee, which comprises representatives from our membership who are under 35 and is working to deepen the positioning of our policy endeavours to ensure they are representative of the future of our region. All of our work is underpinned by the crucial need for evidence-based research. We highlight the opportunities and challenges of the region by producing data, undertaking research, analysing topics, and contributing in depth to policy considerations.

Our next Director of Programmes and Partnerships will support our continued development, strengthening our portfolio and contributing to the city and its long-term future. They will oversee day-to-day engagement with our membership, and act as a bridge to connect them with more of our programmes. With renewed government interest and investment in Cambridge, now is a pivotal time to join us.

A strong relationship builder with exceptional interpersonal skills and superb attention to detail, this individual will deepen and broaden our membership engagement, as well as overseeing a diverse range of projects and programmes across multiple areas of development. Experience in project management and programme delivery is a must, as well as stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates will have a head for policy and the marketing fluency to support our new CEO in raising the voice of Cambridge Ahead, both in Cambridge and with national government.

The Director of Programmes and Partnerships will be an energetic and tenacious individual who chases change: Cambridge Ahead only matters if it results in shaping different outcomes.

Candidate Pack

The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter (maximum 3 sides of A4) addressed to cambridgeahead@minervasearch.com is 16 October 2023.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 29 November.