Programme Manager, UK Dynamism
Renaissance Philanthropy is a not-for-profit organisation that is fuelling a 21st-century renaissance by increasing the ambition of philanthropists, scientists and innovators. In the first year, Renaissance Philanthropy catalysed more than £160m in philanthropic funding for science, technology, and innovation, launching 10+ initiatives across AI, education, climate, health, and scientific infrastructure.
Job Description
To achieve this 21st-century renaissance, we believe that the UK needs to build a positive-sum vision for a better future; a stronger sense of individual agency and responsibility; a greater acceptance of risk and reward; and a bias towards action and speed.
Despite the various economic, political and social challenges that the UK faces, there is a growing community of people and organisations who believe the country is simmering with potential and is ready to break out of its current malaise.
This includes organisations working on pro-growth and pro-science projects, e.g. YIMBY Alliance and ARIA; organisations working on policy and culture, e.g. Centre for British Progress and Works in Progress; and foundations and philanthropists who want to change the status quo.
To advance this agenda, Renaissance Philanthropy is incubating a fund to identify, connect, and fund more people and organisations who are committed to making the UK more dynamic.
As the Programme Manager, you will help to lead the incubation and delivery of this fund and related activities. Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Renaissance Philanthropy, you will act as a liaison between internal teams, external stakeholders, and partners, ensuring coordination and success.
This position requires a combination of vision, operational expertise, and people skills, making it a strong fit for someone who excels at driving action, inspiring others, and managing relationships.
This position is based in the UK, with in-office work required 3 days per week in Kings Cross.
Role and Responsibilities
Programme Incubation and Delivery
Design and deliver new initiatives such as open calls, prizes, communities, events, and bootcamps to surface individuals and organisations advancing the objectives of the fund
Incubate new efforts by recruiting the relevant partners, talent, and resources to take ideas from zero to one
Design and use systems, tools, and processes to support efficient programme delivery
Oversee, manage, and support grantees, fellows, and individuals to deliver their plans
Network Activation:
Identify, convene, and support individuals and organizations aligned with the fund’s mission
Nurture a community of exceptional high-agency doers, enablers, and influencers through regular events, coaching, bootcamps, and connectivity and support them by making connections and helping to mobilise resources around their goals
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
Regularly engage stakeholders in the ecosystem to solicit feedback on the fund’s progress, coordinate existing efforts, and widen the group of individuals and organisations advancing the Fund’s objectives
Identify, communicate, and solve common challenges facing the larger stakeholder base
Who You Are
You are high-agency and work at a fast pace
You are able to turn visions and ideas into reality through tactical execution
You have shown you can take ideas zero to one and build things
You have a proven ability of executing in complex environments with cross-sector teams (for example: bridging government, philanthropy, and corporate stakeholders).
You have excellent relationship and stakeholder management skills
You are organised and can operate in ambiguous situations
You have exceptional written or verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to stakeholders
Outcomes
If you are successful in this role, in one year’s time, you will have:
Identified 150+ exceptional individuals and organisations advancing UK Dynamism through multiple events, initiatives, and mechanisms
Supported 50+ individuals and organisations to implement their plans and goals
Built the infrastructure, systems, and processes to systematically identify, support, and convene individuals and organisations building UK dynamism
Nurtured a community of exceptional doers, enablers, and partners aligned with the fund’s mission
Played a pivotal role in translating strategy into action and helping to shift the UK’s growth trajectory towards dynamism
Values
You will thrive within our team if you:
Have strong mission and vision alignment: You believe in the power of science, innovation, and technology to create a brighter future for the UK.
Exhibit high agency: You can move mountains and break perceived constraints.
Inspire others and are highly collaborative: You can motivate others to join your mission and goals. You understand the value of going further by working with others.
Value exceptional talent and the power of networks: You can spot or nurture exceptional talent and believe in the value of building networks and the power law of talent.
Are comfortable working in fast-moving and ambitious teams: You are not afraid of ambiguity and enjoy working at pace.
Diversity
We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all the skills listed above.
Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce is critical to our success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Renaissance Philanthropy is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.