Systemic Change Lead

Dartington Service Design Lab is a national charity based across the UK that combines evidence, experience and design to address the challenges children and young people face today. Its work spans participatory research, co-design and evaluation, with a focus on reshaping the systems that support children and young people across all four nations of the UK. The organisation is committed to anti-racism, equity and inclusion, and is actively working to diversify the perspectives and experiences it brings to its practice. The role The Systemic Change Lead owns a varied portfolio of projects, managing them from initial design through to delivery. The role sits within a fully remote team and operates with a high degree of independence and autonomy. It would suit someone who has already applied systems and complexity-informed methods in research and design practice and is comfortable holding several projects simultaneously. The post is a permanent contract, full-time or part-time (1 FTE or 0.8 FTE). What you would do Manage your own portfolio of participatory research, co-design and evaluation projects from design through to delivery. Work directly with clients, young people, community partners and system leaders. Set the direction for how systems thinking and complexity-informed approaches are applied across the organisation's project work. Apply systems and complexity-informed methods in research and design practice across multiple concurrent projects. What they are looking for Demonstrated experience applying systems thinking and complexity-informed methods in research and design practice. Ability to manage several projects at once with a high degree of independence. Comfort working directly with a range of stakeholders including clients, young people, community partners and system leaders. Commitment to anti-racism, equity and inclusion in research and design practice. A broad range of lived and learnt experience is welcomed; candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every desirable criterion. Working arrangements The role is fully remote, home-based across the four nations of the UK, with occasional use of co-working spaces and occasional travel. Hours are 28 to 35 per week (0.8 or 1.0 FTE), worked flexibly around business needs. The start date is as soon as possible (Winter 2026/27). The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and pre-employment checks. Pay and benefits Salary is £43,575 per annum (FTE). Benefits include 38 days annual leave (FTE, with flexibility on when leave is taken), a pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, access to a co-working budget, paid parental and carers leave, a home working allowance, and training and professional development opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dartington Service Design Lab