Innovation Programme Director - Internal Applicants

Are you looking for an influential and purpose driven leadership role within a world leading institution? Do you want to shape programmes that accelerate sustainability innovation globally?

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) empowers leaders and organisations to build a sustainable economy. Our Innovation team delivers impactful, multi-stakeholder accelerator programmes and international innovation partnerships aligned with CISL's mission to drive systems change.

The role

We are seeking a Programme Director to lead a major portfolio of corporate and philanthropically funded accelerator programmes. A key focus of the role is business development, sales, and relationship management. You will build a pipeline of corporate, philanthropic and donor clients; pitch, negotiate and secure programme funding; and develop sponsorship and fundraising strategies. You will cultivate significant relationships across the innovation ecosystem, including startups, VCs, mentors, and corporates, and manage selected key sponsorships to extend the reach and impact of the portfolio.

The Programme Director will also lead innovation programme design and delivery, developing high quality programme frameworks that reflect Cambridge standards. This includes market analysis, setting outcomes and indicators of success, and ensuring programmes are delivered to time, budget, and high quality. You will develop sector and region focused approaches, multi-year funded consortia, and international partnerships including major initiatives across Asia.

The role includes producing leading-edge thought leadership, such as reports, materials, articles, events, and frameworks that position CISL as a global leader in sustainability innovation.

You will also take responsibility for team and financial management, including overseeing revenue generation, managing programme budgets, and leading and developing the Accelerator Programme delivery team to ensure CISL's impact and income goals are met.

Essential

Key skills and experience

• Proven experience delivering commercially viable accelerator programmes for startups with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong business development and negotiation skills, including securing international innovation programme funding.
• Deep understanding of innovation processes and sustainability frameworks, with the ability to produce high-quality thought leadership.
• Strong project and financial management capabilities.
• Excellent relationship-management, communication, and presentation skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience leading events at senior levels and negotiating contractual documentation.
• Line management experience and ability to lead project teams.
• Strong networks within global startups and innovation ecosystems.
• Public speaking experience and commitment to CISL's mission and values.
  
  

What You Will Receive

• 41 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays).
• Working 37 hours per week on a hybrid working basis with at least 2 days in our award-winning Cambridge office.
• Excellent benefits including a generous pension scheme, discount portal, cycle to work scheme, access to the University accommodation service, relocation support, employee assistance programme, family friendly policies along with many more.
  
  

Full role information can be found in the Further Information document linked at the bottom of the page. We welcome applications from internal candidates who meet this criteria.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to our Human Resources team: Email: Recruitment@cisl.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference EN48497 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.