Thank you for your interest in becoming chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT). This is an exciting opportunity to lead a long-established social justice funder, and to directly support those working for a more just and equitable future.
For 120 years, JRCT’s work has been inspired by our founder Joseph Rowntree’s conviction that true progress requires solving root causes, not merely treating symptoms.
We build upon Rowntree’s legacy by supporting people and organisations who seek systemic change by tackling the root causes of conflict and injustice. It is a mission that seems ever more relevant in an increasingly complex and unequal world.
In 2024 we spent £13.8 million in grant funding. We currently fund 340 people and organisations doing vital, charitable work, from well-known organisations to smaller grassroots groups. We do not shy away from supporting those who challenge the existing power imbalances in society or work that may be considered contentious.
We have a passionate and committed staff team of 30, in addition to our board of trustees, and a team of expert advisors who help guide our grant-making.
Inspired by Quaker values, we fund in the fields of peace and security, rights and justice, power and accountability, sustainable future, and peace and human rights in Northern Ireland. We cherish the Quaker identity of JRCT, but we actively welcome the contribution of people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Our organisation is at a critical juncture. Our new chief executive will lead us through significant change to ensure we continue to reimagine and improve our own practices alongside our core mission of funding organisations to address root causes of conflict and injustice. We are committed to strengthening our governance and culture, and our staff team.
We are also beginning a process of strategic planning for JRCT to develop a long-term vision that ensures JRCT’s continued impact and enables us to provide sustained support to organisations doing vital work. This process will consider how to address issues of historical legacy with the development of a plan to fulfil commitments to forms of reparation which further our charitable purposes.
We are looking for an experienced, resilient, emotionally intelligent leader with a proven record of guiding organisations through periods of change and embedding a collaborative, open culture within diverse teams. You will be well practised in developing, implementing, and monitoring organisational strategy.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a long-standing social justice funder as we look to the future. If our mission resonates with you, and you’re passionate about strengthening JRCT to ensure we best support organisations working on the toughest challenges facing our society, we warmly invite you to apply.
Jonathan Heawood
Chair, JRCT