Expression of Interest: Executive Director, Strategy & Evidence
Location: Remote/Flexible, with travel across England as required
Contract Type: 2 years, subject to programme award (or Associate engagement)
Salary: £95,000-£110,000 FTE or up to £800 daily rate
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time equivalent)
Status: Expression of Interest- We welcome expressions of interest from individuals interested in either a permanent executive leadership role or an Associate engagement.
A Senior Opportunity to Shape Strategy, Evidence and Learning
Etio is developing plans for a significant national programme and is seeking expressions of interest from experienced leaders in strategy, research, evaluation and evidence.
The Executive Director, Strategy & Evidence will provide strategic leadership across the programme, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence, research, insight and learning from delivery.
This role will connect strategy with implementation, using evidence, evaluation and programme intelligence to strengthen impact, improve outcomes and inform future direction. Working closely with executive colleagues, delivery teams and stakeholders, the postholder will ensure that strategic decisions are grounded in evidence and that learning is embedded throughout the programme lifecycle.
You Will
- Lead the development and implementation of organisational and programme strategy.
- Develop strategic priorities, objectives and long-term plans.
- Establish an evidence-led approach to programme design and decision-making.
- Create an integrated approach to research, evaluation, evidence and learning across a complex national programme.
- Translate evidence, insight and data into practical recommendations and strategic actions.
- Establish mechanisms for capturing and embedding learning from programme delivery.
- Monitor emerging evidence, research and sector developments.
- Work closely with delivery teams to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Lead strategic planning and performance review processes.
- Develop thought leadership and evidence-based outputs where appropriate.
- Support senior stakeholders with strategic insight, analysis and recommendations.
- Ensure learning is embedded into programme development and continuous improvement.
What You'll Bring
- Significant senior experience in strategy, research, evidence, evaluation, policy or a related discipline.
- Experience developing and implementing strategy within complex organisations or programmes.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using evidence and data to inform strategic decisions.
- Strong understanding of research, evaluation and learning methodologies.
- Experience translating complex evidence into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A proven track record of connecting strategy, evidence and practical delivery to achieve measurable outcomes.
Who We Are
📌 Etio is a mission-driven organisation providing expertise to improve education systems and outcomes.
📌 We work in partnership with the Department for Education and sector leaders to deliver high-quality national programmes that raise standards and strengthen the profession.
Benefits
We know our people are our greatest strength. That's why we offer a flexible, supportive culture and benefits that help you do your best work while supporting your wellbeing.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option to buy more)
- Flexible working culture
- Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Work from Anywhere globally (up to 8 weeks per year)
- Paid volunteer day
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
- 3% employer pension contribution
Accessibility and Adjustments
We're committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the application or selection process, please let us know. We're happy to support you.
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals interested in either a permanent executive leadership role or an Associate engagement.