Programme Manager – Social Innovation
Job Description
In brief
We are looking for a Programme Manager to run social innovation projects. The role will suit someone who enjoys working with stakeholders from diverse communities on social impact projects. You’ll be working in collaboration with a team of designers, researchers and experts in equity, innovation, and change for a wide variety of companies, organisations and policy makers.
Why this role matters to us
Our social impact work has expanded to include innovation for equity and social justice. Working with leading experts, we are growing a new field of Equity by Design. This includes running the Mayor of London’s Design Lab on workforce integration with our partners, the Black Leadership Group. We need a programme manager to help us grow this important area of work, while keeping other activities on track.
About us
We are a strategic design consultancy that designs services, shapes experiences and accelerates innovation. We spark change through collaboration and build capabilities through our executive training academy, the Design Thinkers Academy London.
DK&A is a fast-growing creative business, with plenty of opportunity to expand your skills, explore your interests and develop your expertise.
Values
We create Responsible Revolutions by co-designing better futures. We advance thinking and practice in service design and innovation and spread this knowledge, upskilling our clients to drive their own Responsible Revolutions. We are united by an optimistic, agile approach, and a belief that human-centred design can change the world for the better. Good design is inclusive, and we believe being a diverse team leads to better design. We reflect this in how we recruit.
Job description
Title: Programme Manager - Social Innovation
Reporting to: Design Director
1. What you will be doing
As our Programme Manager you’ll be coordinating, managing and growing innovation programmes and projects with a focus on Equity by Design and including the Mayor of London’s Design Lab. You will be supported by our talented team of designers, researchers and marketeers.
1.1 Programme management
You’ll be driving programmes through a full innovation journey, from framing a problem to creating solutions and implementation. This will include:
• Developing and executing programme plans based on agreed specifications, including all aspects of scale project management including: budgets, timelines, resource management, risk management, problem-solving and reporting.
• Aligning, briefing and managing in-house and external resources including associates, partners and contractors.
• Co-ordinating a wide range of social innovation activities with our designers and experts such as research and co-design workshops.
• Orchestrating programme communications with internal and external experts including: projects brands, copy, design and related campaigns.
• Co-ordinating with a wide mix of stakeholders including business, government, and community organisations
• Managing a range of events and activities from business breakfasts, workshops, and think tank sessions.
1.2 Programme development
You’ll help build the future of our social innovation programme, through knowledge-management and business development.
• Gather data and knowledge on our programmes, client feedbacks, and market information to support your work in programme development and long-term planning.
• Develop product offerings and proposals with our business development team and play an active role identifying and winning clients and funding.
• Manage and maintain key client, funder and stakeholder relationships including effective communications, and reporting.
2. Skills & experience
2.1 Essential:
• Degree or Masters in business, project management, or similar related studies or workplace experience.
• Experience of managing budgets and successfully maintaining project profitability.
• Proven ability to manage complex and high-stakes project activities (preferably social design / innovation projects) for commercial clients.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and managing risk and uncertainty in projects.
• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships and communications.
• Experience coordinating dispersed teams, of colleagues, associates and external partners to successfully deliver on project briefs.
• Excellent written skills and the ability to create clear, concise, well-structured reports and communications.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the confidence to contribute to meetings and workshops with senior and C-suite stakeholders.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office tools to manage projects, design and build pitches, proposals and reports in accordance with our company brands.
On the above we expect evidence of +3 years of experience.
2.2 Desirable:
• Experience of managing interns and freelancers on client projects
• Knowledge of Agile
• Knowledge of Design Thinking
• Knowledge and interest in social innovation and EDI
3. Remuneration & benefits
This is a full-time role with an annual salary between £35,000 - £40,000 based on experience. Benefits include:
• Flexitime core studio hours 10:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
• 37.5-hour work week
• Hybrid work: 2 days in studio, 3 days remote
• 25 days of paid annual leave
• 8 days of paid Bank Holidays
• The studio closes between Christmas and New Year, and these days are additional paid leave, on top of the 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank holidays
• Attend our Design Thinkers Academy open courses
• Contributory pension scheme – DK&A to match employee contributions of up to 4%.
• Vitality Healthcare insurance
• Life insurance and income protection
• Interest free loans for travel season tickets to work
• Cycle to Work Scheme
4. Location
Hybrid working, allowing you to work remotely for up to 3 days per week.
Two days a week you will be working with the team at our studio in SW18.
The space has good facilities including shower, bike parking and communal kitchen.