We are seeking a driven, highly collaborative Programme Manager (Funds and Philanthropy) to play a pivotal role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive North East.
This is a high-impact role at the heart of the North East Combined Authority, leading the design and delivery of strategic programmes that support our Corporate Plan, inclusive economy ambitions and Child Poverty Action Plan. You will help turn bold policy intent into practical, investable and deliverable programmes that create real opportunity for communities across the region.
You will lead the development, funding and delivery of complex, high-profile programmes, working across organisational and sectoral boundaries to secure the investment, partnerships and governance required to achieve meaningful social impact.
Working with partners, you will shape project ideas to ensure programmes deliver maximum value and impact for the region. You’ll programme manage one or more high-profile, complex initiatives from concept through to delivery, ensuring strong governance, clear benefits realisation and effective management of risk, finance and performance. You’ll also play a key role in reporting to Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny, and advisory boards, providing clear insight and assurance at every stage.
Success in this role will depend on your ability to build trusted relationships and bring people together around shared goals. You’ll work closely with local and national government, commercial and voluntary sector partners, and communities across the region, developing effective communication strategies and managing stakeholder expectations. If you’re passionate about inclusive growth, tackling child poverty and using funding creatively to drive meaningful change, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference at both strategic and local levels.
If you are a strategic, outcomes-focused programme leader with a passion for inclusive growth, strong partnership-building skills and the confidence to manage complex funding, governance and stakeholder landscapes to drive meaningful social impact, we would love to hear from you.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Joanna Unthank, Head of Economic Inclusion and Child Poverty; Joanna.Unthank@northeast-ca.gov.uk .
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 26th May 2026 at 23:59
It is anticipated that interviews will take place on 8th and 9th June 2026.
For further information about the North East Combined Authority please visit our website .
This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Combined Authority.