Business Development Officer
Ascend Learning Trust (Central Team)
Salary: Grade I, £34,434-£36,363 (DOE) FTE
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 37 hours per week, 08:30-16:30 Monday–Thursday, 08:30-16:00 Friday
Closing date: 25th June 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
Job Overview
We are looking for a proactive and detail‑driven Business Development Officer to help maximise external funding opportunities across our Trust. As a successful applicant, you will lead on researching and securing grants, preparing high‑quality bids, and ensuring full compliance with funding and procurement requirements. Working closely with school leaders, finance teams, and the Legal and Procurement Lead, you will play a key role in supporting strategic priorities across our seven schools. If you have strong communication skills, proven experience in grant management, and the ability to build effective partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
Health & Wellbeing
* Free annual flu vaccines
* Discounted gym memberships
* 24‑hour access to a free counselling helpline for family and debt advice
* Annual “Wellbeing Day”
* Generous holiday allowance
* Flexible working solutions
Financial
* Hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores
* Excellent pension scheme with employer contribution of 24.3% for support staff
* Cycle to work and tech schemes
* Health and fitness schemes (available at additional cost)
Career Progression
* Instructional coaching for teachers
* Developmental performance management conversations
* Apprenticeship opportunities for on‑the‑job training
* Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions
* Recognition and reward – including service awards
Some allowances are only applicable upon successful completion of a 6‑month probation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. We are excited to welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our dynamic team.
Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or specific needs can perform their job duties effectively.
Safeguarding Statement
Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
Legal and Recruitment Information
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered “spent”. A DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.
In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children.
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