Location: Our team have the option to work 60% of the time on-site, 40% at home. Our office is based in Central London (WC1B).
Contract type: Permanent.
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
Deadline for applications: 20th September 2026
Role Purpose:
We are seeking a Project Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be planning, delivery and closeout of priority projects across the Centre for Early Childhood. The role will help translate the Centre’s strategic mission into well-governed, measurable and deliverable projects that increase awareness of, and action on, the importance of early childhood.
The role will focus on the early years sector landscape and the Centre’s creative and nature projects, supporting work that builds understanding of the systems, organisations and partnerships shaping early childhood. This may include projects that use storytelling, arts, culture, design, outdoor learning, green spaces and nature connection.
The Project Manager will take ownership of allocated projects across the full project lifecycle and report into the Programme Manager while working closely with colleagues across the Centre, The Royal Foundation and external delivery partners. This position is ideal for someone with experience directly managing substantive projects through the project lifecycle, experience managing complex projects with internal and external stakeholders and experience in budget management.
Plan and manage allocated projects from inception to closeout, including scope, milestones, deliverables, resources and delivery routes.
Maintain proportionate project controls, including risk, issue, dependency, decision and action logs, escalating matters through agreed governance routes.
Coordinate delivery across internal teams, advisers, partners and stakeholders, ensuring roles, responsibilities and communications are clear.
Prepare concise reports, briefings, agendas, papers and minutes that communicate progress, risks, decisions and impact clearly.
Support change control by assessing proposed changes to scope, timing, budget, risk or benefits, and capturing decisions appropriately.
Relevant Knowledge, Experience and Personal Qualities:
Proven experience directly managing substantive projects through the project lifecycle, ideally in a charity, non-profit, research, policy, public sector, campaigning or social impact environment (essential)
Strong understanding of structured project management practice, including planning, governance, risk and issue management, stakeholder engagement, change control, reporting, quality assurance and benefits realisation (essential)
Experience of budget management, resource coordination and financial reporting, including the ability to work within restricted funding, grant, donor or partner reporting requirements where relevant (essential)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear updates, briefings and reports for stakeholders of different levels, both internal and external (essential)
Knowledge and passion for early childhood, social and emotional development, public health, research translation, policy, campaigning or systems change (preferred), and an appetite to learn (essential)
Experience of project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Monday.com, Trello, Asana or equivalent (preferred)
Discreet, professional and values-led, with good judgement when handling sensitive information, high-profile stakeholders and reputational risk.
The Royal Foundation is a high-profile organisation, and the successful candidate will appreciate the importance of discretion and confidentiality and have a mature and professional approach.
Our Vision, Mission and Values:
The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation lead with the belief that change is always possible and are committed to building innovative, collaborative and optimistic solutions that deliver positive impact where it matters most.
Together, Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation have an unparalleled ability to take a long-term view and unite people, ideas and resources; inspiring action to deliver meaningful change for a better future for individuals, communities, society and our planet.
We unite people and purpose to create a better future – for individuals, communities, society and the planet.
We spark progress by connecting people, ideas and ambition.
The Royal Foundation brings together experts, communities and organisations to pilot and scale solutions – including building coalitions to tackle homelessness, laying societal foundations through our early childhood work, advancing mental health support and championing conservation. By turning insight into action, we help create stronger communities and a healthier future for people and the planet.
Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation bring together voices from every corner of society – forging powerful partnerships and taking a long-term view to create space for fresh thinking and shared ambition.
We believe that when people connect with purpose and empathy, real and lasting change is possible which is what The Royal Foundation’s values reflect:
Uniquely ambitious – We think big; we are curious; and we strive for excellence to drive progress for people and planet.
Respectfully honest – We communicate clearly, transparently, and candidly; we give and receive feedback with honesty; and we celebrate successes openly and own our setbacks embracing the opportunity for growth.
Collectively impactful – We are agile; we seek out, celebrate, and respect diverse perspectives; and we support one another to find balance and achieve more together.
As an employee of The Royal Foundation, you will be entitled to:
An 8% employer pension contribution, with the option to contribute to this yourself too.
Life Assurance.
Access to wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Programme and online platform.
If you have the relevant skills and enthusiasm for this role, then we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your application using the form provided.
