Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning

Portsmouth Source: WhatJobs

See advert for pay

Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning - Up to £55K DOE – Portsmouth (Hybrid)

The role

Do you enjoy creating meaningful opportunities for young people and helping them reach their full potential? Do you have experience leading programmes that combine education, youth development and outdoor learning?

Tall Ships Youth Trust is looking for a Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning to shape life‑changing experiences at sea. You will develop and lead our three‑voyage programme and wider young people pathways, working with schools, youth organisations, apprenticeship providers and corporate partners across the UK. This hybrid role includes regular time at our Portsmouth hub, on voyages, and travelling to build and strengthen networks.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of youth development programme across multiple voyage experiences
Develop pathways for young people, volunteers and crew, including training, mentoring placements and employment opportunities
Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, youth organisations, volunteers, and corporate partners
Ensure programmes meet sector quality standards, and lead our journey towards appropriate Kite marks and accreditation to strengthen our credibility across the youth development and outdoor learning sectors
Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, oversee DBS responsibilities, and maintain high standards of care for all young people, including those with SEND
Lead traded income growth and align programme growth with funding priorities including geographically restricted funding
Lead and guide the youth development and outdoor learning team, while contributing to senior leadership across the Trust
Monitor and evaluate programme impact to ensure positive outcomes

About our company

Formed in 1956, Tall Ships Youth Trust provides young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with life‑changing experiences at sea. Each year, more than 1,200 young people benefit from our voyages, gaining confidence, social skills, and life skills. Approximately 80% face challenges such as disability, mental health issues, caring responsibilities, or difficult socio‑economic circumstances.

The Benefits

Flexible hybrid working, with 2–3 days per week at the Portsmouth hub
25 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
Paid 30‑minute wellbeing break per 7.5‑hour day
Opportunities to spend time on our vessels and see the impact of programmes first‑hand
Discounted local parking and casual dress

The person

Senior experience in youth development, outdoor learning, or education
Experience creating pathways for young people, including apprenticeships or work opportunities
Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience, including SEND support
Experience of income generation, business development, and balancing charitable impact with commercial sustainability
Experience of budget responsibility
Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with young people, colleagues, and partners
Willing to join voyages and comfortable engaging directly with young people