If you have experience in learning, sustainability or programme development and are excited by practical, place based education, this role could be a great fit for you.
As Head of Learning and Sustainability, you will help shape the future of learning at Common Knowledge, working at the intersection of skills, community and climate action.
You will grow and guide an ecosystem of hands on learning programmes, build meaningful partnerships, and help position our centre in the Burren as a national reference point for practical skills that support a more resilient and connected future.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 11th JANUARY 2026
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About Common Knowledge
Common Knowledge is a non profit organisation based in the Burren. We teach practical skills for a sustainable future, through hands-on courses, community programmes and collaborative projects. Each year we work with thousands of people who want to build, make, repair and grow their way into a more resilient and connected life.
As we enter a new chapter of growth and strategy, we are creating a senior role to lead and develop our learning ecosystem.
About the Role
The Learning & Sustainability Lead will shape the future of our learning at Common Knowledge. You will expand our practical skills offerings, develop new learning opportunities, and build partnerships with organisations who share our mission. You will also help position Common Knowledge as a national reference point for sustainability skills and hands-on learning.
This role is strategic and relational. It is not focused on full time teaching or technical consultancy. Instead, you will help design, grow and guide an ecosystem of high quality learning programmes that support people to build confidence, capability and community through practical skills.
What You Will Do
1. Learning and Course Development
* Continue to develop and refine our courses across building, making, mending, growing, retrofit and circular skills, working with our skillsharing coordinator
* Shape new short courses, modular pathways and professional offerings
* Ensure cohesive pedagogy and high quality learner experience
* Work closely with instructors and craftspeople to bring new ideas to life
2. Partnerships and Opportunity Building
* Build relationships with community groups, NGOs, local authorities, educational bodies, companies and networks
* Identify opportunities for collaboration, funding and programme development
* Shape proposals for EU projects, government initiatives, and corporate training
* Turn early conversations into long term partnerships
3. External Leadership and Strategic Development
* Act as a visible champion for Common Knowledge, representing the organisation in relevant networks, events and public forums and communicating clearly the value of practical skills for sustainability
* Help position Common Knowledge as a national leader in hands on climate and sustainability learning
* Contribute to the long term vision for the skillsharing pillar, spotting opportunities for new tools, resources, programmes and learning formats
* Bring an entrepreneurial and strategic mindset to shaping future initiatives, working closely with the CEO and wider team to build a coherent and ambitious programme of work
Who We Are Looking For
Experience and Background
We recognise that the right candidate for this role could come from one of many different backgrounds. You may come from sustainability, climate action, circular economy, regenerative practice, adult learning, community education or a related field. You might have worked in programme development, facilitation, partnerships, social enterprise or community led projects. There is no single ideal path, but you should be comfortable at the intersection of learning, sustainability and collaboration - and have an authentic connection to practical skillsharing.
Mindset and Approach
* Entrepreneurial and imaginative
* Comfortable with ambiguity and early stage ideas
* Excited by building something not yet fully formed
* Collaborative and relational
* Systems thinker - able to think at a systems level whilst delivering in a practical, mission-driven way
Skills and Capabilities
* Strong communicator, able to advocate and inspire
* Experience designing learning experiences or programmes (formal or informal)
* Ability to build both strategic and commercial partnerships and read organisational landscapes
* Confident working with diverse instructors, craftspeople and stakeholders
* Ability to move between strategic thinking and hands on development
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a nationally significant learning mission at a pivotal moment. You will join a values driven, creative and ambitious team who care deeply about community, climate and the power of practical skills. You will have space to shape, innovate and grow an ecosystem that will support people and communities across Ireland.
Hiring Process
As a small non profit team, we will shortlist candidates for interview and, while we are unable to offer individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted, we will gladly provide thoughtful feedback to those who are invited to interview and engage more deeply in the process.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €40,000.00-€46,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Kilfenora, V95DK38, CO. Clare: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
* What draws you to this role at Common Knowledge, and why does our approach to practical, place based learning and sustainability resonate with you?
* Briefly describe your experience designing, developing or stewarding learning programmes connected to sustainability, community, or skills. What feels most relevant to this role?
* This role is about shaping and growing a learning ecosystem rather than teaching full time. Can you share an example of how you have helped develop programmes, partnerships or initiatives over time?
Experience:
* relevant: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* driving licence (required)
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person