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- Tasks: Maximise funding opportunities by researching grants and preparing bids.
- Company: Join Ascend Learning Trust, dedicated to providing world-class education.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, generous holidays, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent growth opportunities and support for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proactive attitude and attention to detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, full time
Hours: 37 hours per week, 08:30-16:30 Monday-Thursday and 08:30-16:00 Friday
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
We are looking for a proactive and detail-driven Business Development Officer to help maximise external funding opportunities across our Trust. As a successful applicant, you will lead on researching and securing grants, preparing high-quality bids, and ensuring full compliance with funding and procurement requirements. Working closely with school leaders, finance teams, and the Legal and Procurement Lead, you will play a key role in supporting strategic priorities across our seven schools.
All our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or their life challenges. They will leave their Ascend community with outcomes that open doors to a fulfilling and successful future. Our mission is to develop and retain high quality professionals who relentlessly pursue the Ascend vision, where horizons are limitless, and education is unmissable.
We also offer an excellent staff benefit package which includes:
- Discounts on high street stores, restaurants, cinemas, and gyms
- A wellbeing hub
- A cycle to work scheme
- Generous holiday allowance
- Flexible working solutions
- Hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores
- Excellent Pension Schemes including an employer contribution of 24.3% for support staff
- Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
- Health and Fitness Schemes (available at additional cost)
Career Progression:
- Instructional Coaching for Teachers
- Developmental performance management conversations
- Apprenticeship opportunities for ‘on the job training’
- Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions
Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful 6 month probation.
At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or specific needs can perform their job duties effectively. Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent" and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.
In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.
If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment. Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.
Business Development Officer (Permanent) in Swindon employer: Ascend Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Ascend Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Officer (Permanent) in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Business Development Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's mission and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely aligns with our vision of providing a world-class education. Tailor your responses to reflect how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in securing grants and working collaboratively with teams, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at Ascend Learning Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Officer (Permanent) in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Business Development Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to maximising funding opportunities and supporting our strategic priorities.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves researching and securing grants, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to find and analyse funding opportunities. Share examples of past successes in grant writing or similar projects to impress us!
Be Clear and Concise: When preparing your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Ascend Learning Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascend Learning Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of a Business Development Officer. Understand the key responsibilities like researching grants and preparing bids. Familiarise yourself with the funding landscape relevant to education, as this will show your proactive approach and genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with school leaders and finance teams, be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, especially in securing funding or managing projects.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Compliance is crucial in this role, so brush up on relevant regulations and procurement requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work, and think of specific instances where you navigated complex guidelines successfully.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Ascend Learning Trust values diversity, so be ready to talk about how you can contribute to an inclusive environment. Share any experiences you have that demonstrate your commitment to fostering diversity and supporting underrepresented groups.