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- Tasks: Lead the design and management of impactful funding programmes for young people.
- Company: A dynamic foundation dedicated to amplifying voices in further education.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on storytelling and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape meaningful programmes and make a real difference in young people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme design and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role sits at the heart of what the Foundation does, responsible for both the strategic design of what we fund and the operational management of how we fund it. This is a rare role that combines both the strategic design of what we fund and the operational management of how we fund it, and the person joining will have the opportunity to shape what that looks like from the start. That makes the job more demanding and considerably more interesting.
You will need to be as comfortable designing coherent programmes across our three strands as you are managing the grant relationships that deliver them. Central to our grants approach is a commitment to storytelling - we embed funding for storytelling into every grant, amplifying the voices of the organisations we support and contributing to a louder, better heard conversation about FE and the young people within it.
The role carries significant breadth of stakeholder engagement, working closely with trustees, Santander, FE colleges, practitioners, sector partners and young people, with relationships built at different speeds and requiring different kinds of care.
This role is designed to work in a closed loop with the wider team as it is built out: evaluations, research and sector intelligence will feed directly into how programmes are shaped and refined over time, while insights from grantees and the field will inform what the Foundation commissions and learns from next. What we fund, what we learn and what we do next should always be in conversation with each other, and this role is the engine of that conversation.
Application Deadline: 5/20/2026
Location: London
Working from: Hybrid
How to apply: With the subject line ‘Head of Programmes Application’, please send the following to: Your CV, A covering letter (max 2 pages) or video/audio (max 5 minutes) telling us: Why this role interests you, How your experience and skills relate to the Foundation and the strategy, What you would bring to the Foundation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Head of Programmes in London employer: ACF
Contact Detail:
ACF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that Head of Programmes role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! When you get the chance to chat with stakeholders or during interviews, weave in stories about your past experiences. This will not only showcase your expertise but also align with the Foundation's commitment to storytelling.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would manage grant relationships and design programmes. Practise your responses so you can confidently demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do at the Foundation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why this role excites you and how your experience aligns with our mission. Keep it concise, but let your passion for the Foundation's work come through.
Showcase Your Skills: When detailing your skills, think about how they relate to both the strategic design and operational management aspects of the role. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping our programmes and managing grant relationships effectively.
Tell Your Story: Remember, storytelling is key for us! Use your application to weave in personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your connection to the Foundation’s goals. This will help us understand your perspective and commitment to amplifying voices in the sector.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Use the subject line ‘Head of Programmes Application’ and include all required documents. Incomplete applications won’t be considered, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACF
✨Know the Foundation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Foundation's mission, values, and current programmes. Understanding their strategic goals and how they approach storytelling will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully designed and managed programmes. Be ready to discuss how you balanced strategic design with operational management, as this role demands both skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Relationships
Think about your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific instances where you’ve nurtured these connections, especially with trustees or sector partners, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Bring Your Storytelling Skills
Since storytelling is central to their grants approach, come equipped with examples of how you've used storytelling to amplify voices or drive engagement. This will demonstrate your understanding of their core values and how you can contribute.