At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead youth development programmes and create life-changing experiences at sea.
- Company: Tall Ships Youth Trust, empowering young people since 1956.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, generous leave, wellbeing breaks, and discounted parking.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while enjoying outdoor adventures.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in youth development and strong safeguarding knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Do you enjoy creating meaningful opportunities for young people and helping them reach their full potential? Do you have experience leading programmes that combine education, youth development and outdoor learning? Tall Ships Youth Trust is looking for a Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning to shape life-changing experiences at sea. You will develop and lead our three-voyage programme and wider young people pathways, working with schools, youth organisations, apprenticeship providers and corporate partners across the UK. This hybrid role includes regular time at our Portsmouth hub, on voyages, and travelling to build and strengthen networks.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of youth development programme across multiple voyage experiences
- Develop pathways for young people, volunteers and crew, including training, mentoring placements and employment opportunities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, youth organisations, volunteers, and corporate partners
- Ensure programmes meet sector quality standards, and lead our journey towards appropriate Kite marks and accreditation to strengthen our credibility across the youth development and outdoor learning sectors
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, oversee DBS responsibilities, and maintain high standards of care for all young people, including those with SEND
- Lead traded income growth and align programme growth with funding priorities including geographically restricted funding
- Lead and guide the youth development and outdoor learning team, while contributing to senior leadership across the Trust
- Monitor and evaluate programme impact to ensure positive outcomes
About our company
Formed in 1956, Tall Ships Youth Trust provides young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with life-changing experiences at sea. Each year, more than 1,200 young people benefit from our voyages, gaining confidence, social skills, and life skills. Approximately 80% face challenges such as disability, mental health issues, caring responsibilities, or difficult socio-economic circumstances.
The Benefits
- Flexible hybrid working, with 23 days per week at the Portsmouth hub
- 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
- Paid 30-minute wellbeing break per 7.5-hour day
- Opportunities to spend time on our vessels and see the impact of programmes first-hand
- Discounted local parking and casual dress
The person
- Senior experience in youth development, outdoor learning, or education
- A commercial mindset
- Experience creating pathways for young people, including apprenticeships or work opportunities
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience, including SEND support
- Experience of income generation, business development, and balancing charitable impact with commercial sustainability
- Experience of budget responsibility
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with young people, colleagues, and partners
- Willing to join voyages and comfortable engaging directly with young people
Whats next
If you're ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people, please send your CV and cover letter by Friday 10th July 2026.
Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning in Humber employer: Ecruit
Tall Ships Youth Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating transformative experiences for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. With a flexible hybrid working model based in Portsmouth, employees enjoy generous annual leave, wellbeing breaks, and the unique opportunity to engage directly with youth on voyages, fostering both personal and professional growth in a supportive and impactful work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning in Humber
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Ecruit.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Ecruit.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Ecruit.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Ecruit. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning in Humber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Ecruit. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ecruit
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Ecruit. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
