Director of youth development & outdoor learning

Job Description

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 23 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
• A commercial mindset
• 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

Whats next

If youre ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people, please send your CV and cover letter to by Friday 10th July 2026.

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