At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a strategic grant-making programme for outdoor learning and green skills.
- Company: Join a leading outdoor learning charity making a difference across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to positive change through education.
- Why this job: Shape funding strategies that create equitable access to nature-based education.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant-making, partnership development, and youth engagement required.
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.
About the Role
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: The Ernest Cook Trust
As a leading outdoor learning charity based in Quenington, Gloucestershire, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that champions equity, inclusion, and the power of education. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful grant-making programmes while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in the community. With hybrid working options and a focus on personal development, we provide a meaningful and rewarding career path for those looking to create positive change through nature-based learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grants
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the outdoor learning and grants sector. Attend events, join online forums, and connect on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Grants role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for nature and education! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about how to enhance outdoor learning and green skills. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's current projects and partnerships. Be ready to discuss how your strategic vision aligns with their goals. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application and hear your story. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and commitment to equity and inclusion in your application. Let's make a difference 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 tangible outcomes of your work. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've successfully led grant programmes or built partnerships that made a difference in the community.
Be Authentic:Let your passion for education and connection with nature shine through in your application. We appreciate candidates who are genuine about their commitment to equity and inclusion, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ernest Cook Trust
✨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 influencing the wider sector and developing strategic partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
Prepare to talk about how you've used evidence and insights 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 leadership position, it's important to convey your approach to leading and developing high-performing teams. Share your experiences in inspiring others and fostering a collaborative environment, especially in relation to youth engagement and participation.
