Outdoor learning leader jobs
How's your job search on our site?
Head of Grants
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.
Position: Head of Grants
Salary: £50,000 to £53,000 per annum
Location: Quenington, Gloucestershire with hybrid working considered
Hours: 35 hours per week, full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 17 June 2026
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.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Funding, Head of Programmes, Grants Director, Funding Director, Head of Partnerships, Director of Impact, Director of Programmes, Head of Philanthropy, Funding and Partnerships Manager, Strategic Programmes Manager, Trusts and Foundations Lead, Head of Social Impact. #INDNFP
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.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reference Number: V571
Job Title: Engagement Manager
Location: Scotland - Homebased
Contract type: FTC – March 2028
Hours: 17.5
Salary: £25,625 Pro Rata
DBS/PVG: n/a
Job Family: 3
Line Manager: Senior Project Manager, Corporate and Employability
Closing date: 16th June 2026 Midday
Anticipated start date: July/August 2026
Volunteering Matters
Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.
Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering
Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.
Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries.
We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come.
What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.
How we do this
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.
· We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.
· We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
· We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
· We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
· We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.
Our promise to volunteers
We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.
It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.
Role Purpose
Action Earth offers grants to help urban communities to respond to our nature and climate crises. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, these nature grants support volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in practical outdoor activities in Scotland’s cities, towns and villages.
We are looking for a talented, dynamic, and organised Engagement Manager to join our Action Earh team in a mainly administrative role. The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values. You will be joining an existing team of one part time Engagement Manager and a long-term volunteer who supports the project.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
· Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records using Microsoft Office, Google Docs, MailChimp and a CRM.
· Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information is collected
· To ensure that Action Earth meets it’s agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.
· Updating social media channels.
· Help create newsletters and other promotional materials
· Supporting successful applicants and monitoring project journeys.
· Supporting with quarterly and yearly reporting,
· Supporting with raising awareness of Action Earth, specifically targeting low SIMD areas across Scotland.
· Attend any fairs or promotional events
This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.
Skills
• Excellent IT skills including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Forms, Excel, Google Docs and Forms, MailChimp and design software such as Canva.
• Experience using different CRM software.
• An understanding of Scottish geography, particularly around areas of multiple deprivation
• Excellent organisational skills including strong attention to detail, the ability to manage a busy workload, and prioritise effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent people skills with the ability to build professional, long-term relationships with various organisations to influence and motivate others.
• A creative approach to problem solving, an ability to work independently and use own initiative.
• Ability to think on your feet, act quickly and respond to situations as well as demonstrate common sense and initiative.
Experience Required
• Experience working directly with Excel and Microsoft Forms, including the ability to develop spreadsheet applications, in particular, the use of formulae and how to link related spreadsheets.
• Experience of administration, achieving goals, managing a busy workload and working to deadlines.
• Experience developing strong working relationships, with a range of organisations.
• Experience of measuring the impact of volunteering and understanding the results.
• Understanding of and full commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Qualifications
Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications
Other
This is home based however some travel across Scotland to visit projects and attend events may be required. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied.
Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.
Diversity & Inclusion
Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.
Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.
Benefits
Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:
· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)
· Unlimited Annual Leave
· Employee Pension scheme
· Life Assurance
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Season Ticket Loan
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Enhanced sick and family leave.
· Lifestyle Discount Scheme
We are also open to discussing job share applications.
GDPR Statement
If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months. We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.
Policy on AI-Generated Applications
Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.
To Apply
Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.
We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community.
Right to Work in the UK
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We turn local knowledge into action by working with volunteers and partners across the UK to build stronger communities for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.