Deputy Director – A Fairer Start

Deputy Director – A Fairer Start | Nesta Careers

About Nesta
Nesta is the UK’s leading innovation agency for social good, designing, testing, and scaling solutions to society’s biggest challenges. Our three core missions are:

• Giving every child a fair start in life
• Helping people live healthier lives
• Building a sustainable future where the economy works for people and the planet

For over 20 years, we’ve worked as innovation partners, venture builders, and system shapers—combining science, design, and evidence to transform lives. Learn more at nesta.org.uk.

About the Mission: A Fairer Start
Nesta’s Fairer Start Mission aims to break the link between family background and life chances. By 2030, our goal is for every child to have the same opportunity to reach their full potential in the early years.

We focus on improving early childhood outcomes for children from low-income backgrounds by strengthening family support services and early education. Our work includes partnerships with policymakers, local government, charities, academics, and funders to drive systemic change.

About the Role: Deputy Director, A Fairer Start
As Deputy Director, you will play a senior leadership role, driving Nesta’s mission to close the gap in early years outcomes. You’ll shape strategy, oversee impactful projects, and foster partnerships that enable scalable, evidence-based solutions.

Key Responsibilities of Deputy Director:

Shape and deliver the strategic direction of the Fairer Start mission

• Lead a portfolio of early years projects, balancing innovation and evidence
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with funders, local authorities, and policymakers
• Represent Nesta externally at events, with the media, and in thought leadership opportunities
• Co-lead and inspire a cross-disciplinary team of 25, including designers, researchers, data scientists, and behavioural scientists
• Drive Nesta’s innovation methods—behavioural science, design thinking, data analysis—to deliver real-world impact

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Background in early years practice, policy, or research
• Proven leadership in innovation, programme management, or policy change

At least five years’ experience in one or more of:

• Applying innovation methods (behavioural science, design, experimental design, quantitative analysis)
• Managing complex programmes from diagnosis to impactful solutions
• Delivering policy change to address early years inequalities

Desirable Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building
• Experience in portfolio management and evidence-based decision making
• Ability to influence senior decision-makers and present to large audiences or media
• A proactive approach to personal and professional development

What We Offer for Deputy Director:
Salary: Circa £77,500 + benefits (private medical, dental insurance, eyecare vouchers, flexible annual leave options, and more)
Location: London (Blackfriars office, hybrid with at least 2 days in-office)
Contract: Permanent, full-time with flexible working arrangements
Reports to: Mission Director

Application Details:
Deadline: 3 September 2025, 8:00am
First interviews: w/c 15 September 2025

At Nesta, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours, and job shares.

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