Director of Campaign for Youth Wellbeing

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Total salary will be up to £140,000 per annum

This is made up of a base salary on the School’s salary scale and a market supplement which will be commensurate with experience and market conditions.

This is a three-year fixed term contract.

This is a full-time position

Young people in Britain are the least happy in Europe and their wellbeing is declining. We risk a “lost generation”. Addressing this requires major changes in policy.

LSE is therefore launching a major, high-pressure three-year Campaign for Youth Wellbeing to put young people’s wellbeing at the centre of policy design. The campaign will focus on people aged 5–24 and will ask for 6 guarantees on mental healthcare, schools, social media, apprenticeships and youth clubs. It will seek to secure these policy commitments ahead of the next general election, or otherwise ensure they appear in every party manifesto.

The campaign will be based at the London School of Economics and steered by a board of trustees including its founders Alastair Campbell, Gus O’Donnell and Richard Layard.

The Director will lead this high-profile, high-pressure campaign, acting as its driving force and public face. Working closely with the campaign’s founders, trustees and advisers, the postholder will be responsible for strategy, delivery, external engagement, communications, funding and the recruitment and leadership of a high-performing team.

The Director will engage directly with ministers, policymakers, employers, educators and the media, building a national profile for the campaign and driving forward an ambitious programme of influencing, communications and events to achieve lasting policy impact.

Candidates should have:

• Leadership experience either in campaigns, public affairs, policy, media or a related environment, including promoting high-impact programmes or initiatives
• Strong understanding of UK public policy and political processes, with the ability to advance influential approaches that contribute to policy or public debate outcomes
• Excellent communication skills, including experience of advocacy to a range of audiences
• Experience of working in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments, including meeting external deadlines or evolving priorities
• Ability to manage resources and budgets, and to oversee fundraising and stakeholder engagement that enables delivery of organisational objectives
• Sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in complex circumstances, balancing priorities, managing risk, resources and stakeholder expectations.

We are looking for an outstanding individual who combines strategic leadership, credibility and drive, and who is motivated by a strong commitment to improving the wellbeing of children and young people.

The role offers a unique opportunity to lead a campaign with the potential to shape national policy and improve the lives of millions of young people.

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

To apply for this post, please click the 'Apply' button above. If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email Jo Cantlay (j.m.cantlay@lse.ac.uk).

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 12 July 2026 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

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