Social Finance is one of the most exciting social innovation teams in the world, with a slew of pioneering projects in our back catalogue. We don’t just think and describe – we also do and extend, with a practical approach that’s dedicated to find better ways of tackling social problems, both in the UK and globally. Everyone at Social Finance believes that change is possible: we share a sense of vocation for solving the most complex and entrenched issues, and our non-executive board includes leading figures from the social, financial and governmental sectors. It’s an absorbing, optimistic and exhilarating place to work, and we’ve now got an exceptional opportunity to join us as our new Director of Government and Enterprise.

This role is about leading a seriously talented and motivated team of changemakers to have the greatest possible impact. It involves identifying (and sometimes creating) opportunities for the world to become a better place, and then ensuring that we follow through and make them happen. You’re likely to be shuttling between central and local government, social enterprises, foundations, local civic delivery partners and funders, helping stakeholders stay committed to the project, and ensuring that we both hold ourselves to high standards of delivery and stay grounded in the genuine needs of communities served. In quieter moments, you’ll be seeking out and engaging with emergent thinking inside and outside Social Finance in a range of key social impact areas (such as domestic violence, children’s services, lifelong health, and affordable housing), and developing a coherent picture of integrated social change in which commissioners and partners will also be able to recognise their own ‘vision for better’.

It’s a senior, visible role, and we have high expectations. Candidates must bring a strong and instinctive understanding of how social policy works (or doesn’t), a sophisticated grasp of the macro-level issues in a range of sectors, and the ability to collaborate productively to fill the gaps. Just going to the in-system expert and asking ‘what’s new?’ won’t be enough: you must be able to reframe problems so that they become accessible to new approaches, and – where the evidence backs you up – to advocate for sometimes unfamiliar solutions. Entrepreneurial and creative, you need to be as comfortable making a contribution at the highest levels of policymaking, as spending a day on the ground in an employment project; so exceptional interpersonal skills and flexibility are essential.

We are totally and actively committed to becoming an authentically diverse team, so genuine personal experience of any of the challenges we tackle would be a distinct advantage. Understanding and opposing racism is core to our aims and values, and we’re proud that our Race Equity Advisory Group is already supporting Social Finance change from within. So we strongly encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian or from a minoritised ethnic community.

For more information, please click the apply button below. Alternatively you can contact Philip Nelson or Shani Newbold at Cadence Partners on +44 020 7947 4960. If you would prefer to email, please contact us at socialfinance-dge@cadencepartners.co.uk Alternative formats may be requested at your initial contact.

Closing date: 5 May 2021.