We’re looking for a highly organised, strategic thinker with an eye and appetite for improvement to help us deliver our mission to support participation and improvement in higher education through grant funding and research.

We’ve recently completed a major strategic review and will soon publish a new Strategic Plan that sets out an ambitious direction for the years ahead. To bring that plan to life we are looking for a Head of Grants and Operations who will work with our CEO to build the systems, culture and organisational confidence we need to deliver.

As one of six staff – and the Chief Executive’s closest operational partner – you’ll play a central role in designing how the organisation works day to day and how it grows over time. You’ll lead on governance, risk, HR, finance oversight, and operational systems including overseeing the administration of our grants schemes.

If you have senior operational leadership experience, ideally from a mission-driven organisation or charity, the ability to lead organisational change with empathy and clarity and you share our passion for improving equity and success in higher education, then we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply
To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages) to admin@carnegie-trust.org  outlining your relevant skills and experience for the role, by 5pm on Tuesday February 10, 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Chief Executive at hannah.garrow@carnegie-trust.org

Download the Job Specification