Strategic Lead - Social Economy

The West Midlands has one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic social economies, with over 9,300 organisations, 103,000 jobs, and £14bn in annual turnover. These organisations improve lives, strengthen communities and tackle social and environmental challenges through sustainable trading models.

We are looking for a Strategic Lead for Social Economy Growth to help deliver WMCA’s ambition to double the size and impact of the social economy by 2030.

This 12-month fixed-term role, match-funded by Power to Change and WMCA, is key to securing long-term investment into the social economy and embedding a strong championing function within WMCA.

You will lead the delivery of Social Economy Growth in the region by attracting sustained funding and influencing regional and national policy by working in close partnership with social economy organisations, infrastructure organisations, local authorities, funders, social economy organisations and other regional and national partners.

• Secure sustainable investment for social economy growth, including Integrated Settlement Local Growth and Place funding
• Lead delivery of the Social Economy Growth Programme aligned to inclusive growth priorities
• Shape and influence regional and national policy on social impact, social value and community wealth building
• Build strong partnerships with Power to Change, funders, investors, local authorities and social economy networks
• Support and empower social economy clusters and forums, embedding co‑design and co‑production
• Oversee targeted and universal business support for social economy organisations
• Commission monitoring and evaluation to support evidence‑led decision‑making
• Act as an ambassador for the social economy at regional and national forums

• Experience coordinating projects or programmes
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate, negotiate and influence
• Experience of monitoring and evaluating programmes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience producing high-quality reports, briefings and presentations
• Ability to support funding bids and investment cases
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills
• Ability to think strategically and bring structure to complex issues

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

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We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local…