Programme Networks Manager (The OWL Collaboration & OPEN)

NFP PEOPLE; England; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational charity in the UK is seeking a Programme Networks Manager to oversee and expand two national outdoor learning initiatives. The role includes managing partnerships, coordinating grants, and delivering network events while championing outdoor education. The ideal candidate is passionate about equitable learning and has strong programme management and communication skills. This position offers a full-time contract with hybrid working options.

Benefits

10% employer pension contribution

27 days annual leave

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to training and personal development budget

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Experience managing programmes or professional networks, ideally in education or outdoor learning.
• Strong relationship-building skills with schools, practitioners and sector bodies.
• Excellent communication skills - written, verbal and facilitative.
• Confidence managing budgets, data, grants and logistics.
• A proactive, organised, and adaptable approach.
• A genuine belief in the power of outdoor learning and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing delivery of OWL programme and Nest School partnerships.
• Coordinating grants, onboarding, logistics, evaluation and reporting.
• Leading and growing OPEN's network of members.
• Delivering network events, newsletters and collaborative communications.
• Building strategic partnerships and representing the charity externally.
• Embedding youth voice and championing outdoor education.

Skills

Experience managing programmes or professional networks

Strong relationship-building skills

Excellent communication skills

Confidence managing budgets and logistics

Organised and adaptable approach

Belief in the power of outdoor learning

Job description

Programme Networks Manager (The OWL Collaboration & OPEN)

We are seeking a passionate and organised Programme Networks Manager to lead two exciting national outdoor learning initiatives.

Position: Programme Networks Manager (The OWL Collaboration & OPEN)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £31,000 - £34,000
Location: Quenington, Gloucestershire (Hybrid working considered)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 27 August 2025, 11:59pm
Interview Dates: First stage - Thursday 4 September (online); Second stage - Friday 19 September (Quenington)

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead and grow two key programmes:

• The OWL Collaboration, a residential outdoor learning programme supporting children and young people facing the greatest challenges
• OPEN, the Outdoor Practitioners Education Network, a growing professional learning network for the Outdoor Learning sector

You'll drive the design, delivery and impact of both, ensuring they are visible, connected, and underpinned by strong partnerships and evaluation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing delivery of OWL programme and Nest School partnerships
• Coordinating grants, onboarding, logistics, evaluation and reporting
• Leading and growing OPEN's network of members and professional learning opportunities
• Delivering network events, newsletters and collaborative communications
• Building strategic partnerships and representing the charity externally
• Embedding youth voice and championing outdoor education across the sector
• Managing data systems, budget tracking, and reporting to key stakeholders

About You

We're looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings a combination of strategic thinking, practical delivery, and a passion for equity in education and the outdoors.

You will have:

• Experience managing programmes or professional networks, ideally in education or outdoor learning
• Strong relationship-building skills with schools, practitioners and sector bodies
• Excellent communication skills - written, verbal and facilitative
• Confidence managing budgets, data, grants and logistics
• A proactive, organised, and adaptable approach
• A genuine belief in the power of outdoor learning and inclusive practice

About the Organisation

You will be working for an educational charity and one of the UK's leading funders and providers of Outdoor Learning. Their mission is to improve life chances through nature-based education. Working in partnership with schools, funders, and outdoor centres across the country and underpinned by a values-led approach that champions connection, innovation, and progressive stewardship of the natural world.

Why join?

You will be part of a dynamic, inclusive and supportive team committed to real impact. Offering a range of generous benefits including:

• 10% employer pension contribution
• 27 days annual leave (plus public holidays and office closure over Christmas)
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to training and personal development budget
• Newly refurbished head office with a creative, flexible working environment

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Programme Manager, Education Network Manager, Outdoor Learning Coordinator, Learning & Engagement Manager, Community Partnerships Lead, Strategic Projects Manager, Youth Programmes Lead