At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead grant-making programmes and collaborate with local communities to drive impactful funding.
- Company: Quartet Community Foundation, a leading community foundation in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to community empowerment and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community funding and make a real difference in local lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant-making and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46782 - 46782 £ per year.
Help us shape the future of community funding across the West of England. Quartet Community Foundation is looking for an experienced, collaborative and forward-thinking Head of Programmes to lead our grant-making and programmes work across Bristol, Bath & North-East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
This is an exciting time to join Quartet. We recently launched our new three-year strategy 2026-9, containing ambitious plans to increase our impact through grant giving, strengthen our understanding of local communities and raise the profile of place-based giving. The strategy outlines how we aim to diversify and strengthen our donor base, driving increasing philanthropic giving, so that we can distribute £6.5 million in grants annually by 2029. As Head of Programmes, you will play a key role in turning that ambition into action.
You will lead and develop our grant‑making programmes, ensuring they are informed by community need, insight and evidence and reflect best practice in equitable and accessible funding. You will work closely with local communities, voluntary and community organisations, funders and partners to understand emerging needs and identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation. You will be able to administer funds directed by local authorities and other partners to their specification, bringing a high quality service and repeat “business” to our revenue funding through high quality grant assessment and distribution.
You will also manage and support our experienced Programmes Team, three direct reports, ensuring an environment where they can develop, perform at their best and embody a culture of continual improvement.
About you
You will bring significant experience of grant-making, programme management or community investment, alongside a strong understanding of the voluntary and community sector. You’ll also be a confident and supportive manager, bringing out the best in people and building an effective, collaborative team. You’ll be comfortable working strategically and towards stretch goals, while retaining an eye for excellent operational delivery, governance and detail.
Most importantly, you’ll share our belief in the strength of local communities and our commitment to ensuring that funding is informed by the voices, experiences and priorities of the people and places we serve.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to influence how millions of pounds of charitable funding is invested in communities across the West of England, and to help shape the next chapter of one of the UK’s leading community foundations, we’d love to hear from you.
Hours, Salary & Benefits
Full time – 35 hours per week. Salary – £46,782. Based in Bristol, with hybrid working and travel across the West of England. Benefits include 6% employer pension contribution, health benefits scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
Closing date
Midday Monday 7th September 2026. No agencies please.
Quartet is a Disability Confident Committed employer, which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any applicant who considers themselves to be disabled and meets the essential criteria listed in the job description is guaranteed an interview. We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and, where relevant, provide continued support. All appointments will be subject to pre-appointment checks and a satisfactory DBS check will be a requirement on commencement.
Head of Programmes employer: The Wild
At Aquarium of the Lakes, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As part of Parques Reunidos, you will benefit from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as complimentary attraction tickets and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic leisure park setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes
✨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 The Wild.
✨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 The Wild.
✨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 The Wild.
✨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 The Wild. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes
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 The Wild. 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 Head of Programmes, 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 The Wild
✨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 The Wild. 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!
