Head of Programme – Young people

Head of Programme – Young people
Contract: Fixed-term contract – 18 months
Hours: Full-time post, 35 hours per week
Salary: c. £54,000 per annum
Location: London / Hybrid (40% of time in our central London offices)  

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is one of the UK’s largest independent grant-making foundations. We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and lead fulfilling, creative lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a mission-driven senior leader to shape and deliver our work supporting young people across the UK.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will shape and drive the Foundation’s grant-making strategy in support of young people, ensuring our funding delivers systemic change and champions youth-led approaches. You will lead the Youth Fund and related initiatives, setting direction, overseeing grant-making, and influencing practice across the youth sector.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will lead the strategic development, direction and delivery of the Foundation’s Youth Fund and related initiatives. You will oversee grant-making, champion youth-led practice, and influence sector-wide learning and collaboration.

Reporting to the Director of Grants, you will have direct responsibility for a high-performing team composed of two Grants Managers and one Grants Assistant. You will oversee the strategic development and delivery of the Youth Fund and Follow-on Fund, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and best practices in youth-focused grant-making.

You will work closely with funded organisations, trustees, advisors, and sector partners to strengthen their impact, embed learning, and ensure our funding supports long-term systemic change.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, values-led leader with:

• Significant experience in the youth, charity or civil society sector, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people.
• Deep knowledge of youth policy and practice, and the ability to translate that insight into impactful funding and support for organisations.
• Proven expertise in grant-making, including assessment, due diligence, monitoring and learning.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to develop and motivate teams and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• A track record of working in partnership with funded organisations and sector stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact Richard Brown or Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment: Richard@givingbackrecruitment.co.uk or alex@givingbackrecruitment.co.uk.

How to Apply

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation are committed to being an anti-racist organisation. This commitment drives how we work, who we work with and how we make decisions. Please get in touch if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support with your job application.

Please submit your CV and a supporting document answering both questions below (max 500 words each) to Richard@givingbackrecruitment.co.uk by Wednesday, 17 December 2025.

1. How have you contributed to the development of grant programmes or similar initiatives in the youth, charity, or civil society sector? What impact did your leadership have?
2. Paul Hamlyn Foundation have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Can you give an example of how you have embedded this in your previous work, perhaps in the way you designed a process, supported colleagues, or worked with external partners?

Recruitment timetable

• Closing date: Wednesday 17th December 2025
• Interviews with Paul Hamlyn Foundation: Friday 9th and Monday 12th January 2026