At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a strategic grant-making programme for outdoor learning and green skills.
- Company: A leading outdoor learning charity focused on connecting youth with nature.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating positive change through education.
- Why this job: Shape funding strategies that enhance access to education and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant-making, partnership development, and youth engagement.
We are seeking an experienced grants leader to shape and deliver an ambitious funding strategy that expands access to outdoor learning, green skills and land-based education across the UK.
This is a senior leadership opportunity to lead and develop a strategic grant-making programme focused on increasing equitable access to outdoor learning, land-based education and green skills. Reporting to the Director of Learning, you will oversee the full grants lifecycle, ensuring funding programmes deliver meaningful impact while responding to environmental, social and educational priorities. You will also play a key role in building partnerships, influencing the wider sector and helping to shape future funding approaches.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and delivery of the organisation's grants strategy
- Overseeing grant programmes from design through to evaluation and learning
- Building strategic partnerships with funders, policymakers and sector organisations
- Developing collaborative networks that strengthen the voice and influence of the sector
- Embedding equitable, trust-based and relationship-driven funding approaches
- Championing youth participation and ensuring lived experience informs decision-making
- Using insight, learning and evidence to improve grant-making effectiveness
- Managing budgets, resources and operational planning
- Providing leadership, support and development to a high-performing team
- Contributing to organisational strategy as a member of the senior leadership team
About You
We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience in grant-making and partnership development. You will have:
- Strong experience leading strategic grant-making programmes
- Excellent knowledge of land-based sectors
- Experience of youth engagement, participation or leadership development
- A track record of building successful partnerships and cross-sector collaborations
- Experience using evidence, learning and insight to inform decision-making
- Outstanding communication, influencing and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and reporting abilities
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and widening access to opportunities
- The ability to lead, inspire and develop teams
You will also bring a proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, together with a genuine passion for creating positive change through education and connection with nature.
About the Organisation
The organisation is one of the UK’s leading outdoor learning charities, helping children and young people connect with nature, develop skills and improve life opportunities through learning from the land. Rooted in the conservation and stewardship of the countryside, the charity manages significant estates while supporting environmental sustainability, partnerships and community impact across the UK.
If you are an experienced grants professional looking to influence strategy, build partnerships and create lasting impact through education and nature-based learning, we would love to hear from you.
Head of Grants employer: Not For Profit People
As a leading outdoor learning charity based in Quenington, Gloucestershire, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. Our commitment to equitable access to education and environmental sustainability fosters a culture of innovation and impact, while our hybrid working model provides flexibility to balance professional and personal commitments. Join us to lead meaningful change and develop your career in a role that champions youth participation and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grants
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the outdoor learning and grants sector. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for green skills and education! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your experiences and ideas about how to enhance access to outdoor learning. Let your enthusiasm shine through – it can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation’s current projects and partnerships. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love to see candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. So, get your application in and let’s make a positive impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in grant-making and partnership development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of expanding access to outdoor learning and green skills.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead strategic grant programmes and build successful partnerships. We love seeing tangible results!
Be Authentic:Let your passion for education and connection with nature shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about creating positive change, so don’t be afraid to share your personal motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our grants strategy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨Know Your Grants Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's current grants strategy. Understand their goals and how they align with your vision for expanding access to outdoor learning and green skills. This will help you articulate how your experience can directly contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful partnerships you've built in the past. Highlight how these collaborations have led to impactful outcomes. This is crucial as the role involves building strategic partnerships with funders and policymakers.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
Prepare to talk about how you've used data and evidence to inform decision-making in previous roles. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have improved grant-making effectiveness, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a senior leader, it's important to convey your approach to leading and developing high-performing teams. Share your experiences in mentoring and inspiring others, and how you foster an inclusive environment that champions youth participation.
