Overview

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About Impetus

Our vision is for a society where all young people, regardless of background, can thrive in school, gain crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into work towards sustained employment.

Since 2002, Impetus has helped the best leaders build stronger organisations delivering interventions that enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed. We provide long-term funding, direct support from our team and partners, and influence policy to drive system change.

We focus on three major challenges facing young people in Britain:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions and exclusions.
• Gaps in attainment, with many missing key qualifications like GCSE English and maths.
• High numbers not in education, training or employment.

These affect all young people but disproportionately impact those from disadvantaged backgrounds. You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous and warm, caring deeply for colleagues, partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity (1152262).

About the role

Are you passionate about giving young people the best chance in life? Are you an experienced influencer and communicator who relishes using policy, research and communications to deliver social change?

We are seeking our next Director of Public Affairs to lead our communications, policy and research work, inspire our talented team, and join our Senior Management Team. You will work with the CEO, Board, donors, partners and sector leaders to increase our influence and impact for young people.

This is an exciting time to join, with a new CEO and refreshed strategy to strengthen and expand our work. Public affairs and communications are central to this, from influencing policymakers, reducing education and employment gaps, working with government and funders, to sharing insights with wider audiences.

The Director of Public Affairs will raise our profile, influence policy, build partnerships and steward resources. They will lead a high-performing team across policy, research, advocacy and communications, and ensure Impetus is well positioned externally.

Recent highlights of the team’s work include:

• Monthly newsletter Impetus Insights.
• Research reports on school engagement, attainment and youth employment.
• Our coalitions: the Youth Employment Group and Who is Losing Learning?
• Stronger media profile and sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

• Support delivery of the Impetus strategy and business plan.
• Embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across public affairs, policy and communications.
• Provide vision, leadership and line management to the Public Affairs team.
• Increase awareness and trust in Impetus through media, sector and stakeholder engagement.
• Highlight barriers facing disadvantaged young people and communicate solutions.
• Build reputation in government, parliament and among funders as a trusted source of expertise.
• Ensure advocacy is evidence-based, with research aligned to strategy.
• Represent Impetus at sector events and in the media.
• Support fundraising and flagship events such as the Transforming Lives Dinner.
• Collaborate with portfolio partners and leverage partnerships.
• Contribute to SMT performance, advising Trustees on public affairs.
• Oversee the Public Affairs Committee (PAC).

Person specification

• Commitment to Impetus’ mission and to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience leading public affairs, communications or policy at a senior level.
• Strong track record of influencing through policy, advocacy and communications.
• Experience developing strategy, managing people and budgets, and monitoring impact.
• Proven ability to lead complex workstreams and deliver results.
• Strong external representation skills, including media and public speaking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain influential external relationships.
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to motivate a team.
• Knowledge of education and/or young people’s sectors.
• Experience of fundraising, trusts and foundations.
• Knowledge of digital communications.
• Strong analytical skills and data use.
• Understanding or lived experience of barriers facing disadvantaged young people.
• Familiarity with venture philanthropy, impact management or private equity.

Our commitment to EDI

We want our team to represent the diversity of the communities we serve, and to be a place where everyone can grow and develop. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage requests for flexible working.

How to apply

Please submit:

• CV and supporting statement (max two sides, addressing the person specification).
• Completed equal opportunities form.
• Contact details of two referees (one current/most recent employer; approached only with permission).

Deadline: 11:59pm, Sunday 12 October 2025

Interviews:

• First round: w/c 20 and 27 October
• Second round: w/c 3 November

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Data protection

Your data will be used only for recruitment and shared with relevant staff and advisors. If successful, we will contact referees with your permission. Data is not shared outside the EEA.

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