Director

Are you passionate about helping children fulfil their potential and build a better Scotland? We are too!

This is a unique opportunity to lead Children’s Parliament, an internationally renowned and respected organisation promoting children’s human rights, as we look to recruit an inspirational and highly skilled Director.

We want someone who can lead and develop a passionate team of expert practitioners in raising awareness and understanding of children’s rights amongst children and adults. Together we need to help them understand how we can improve children’s lives, support the people and organisations who support our children, and help to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

The Director will lead a Senior Leadership Team, consisting of the Head of Programmes, Head of Operations and Senior Programme Manager. The Director will inspire our talented and dedicated team, using their professional networks to advocate for children as the face and voice of Children’s Parliament, and realise the opportunities we have to change lives for the better. They will work with partners and stakeholders to drive culture change in the environments in which children live, learn and play and support a new chapter for Scotland’s human rights journey following the UNCRC incorporation for which we successfully campaigned this year.

We are seeking a dynamic and effective leader who will stand up and champion children’s rights. They will need to demonstrate their experience in senior leadership roles, including strategic planning, financial oversight, leadership, and risk management.

The ability to support and drive a diverse and skilled team is essential. Having experience of rights-based, creative practice will be important in being able to provide ongoing support, expertise and guidance across Children’s Parliament’s programmes. A comprehensive understanding of the political and policy landscape for children's and wider human rights in Scotland is vital as is the ability to effectively engage with a range of stakeholders.

The Director will need to demonstrate their belief that children are equal and valuable citizens. As a leader, their passion should shine through their words and actions, backed up with the expertise to navigate the challenges of ensuring Children’s Parliament continues as an internationally recognised beacon of good practice and inspiration.

Reports to: Chair of the Board and accountable to the Board of Trustees

Direct reports: Head of Programmes, Head of Operations and Business Development

Who are we?

The Super Power Agency is a creative charity that supports children and young people to write their story.

We are looking for a Treasurer to join our Board of Directors to help us with our ambitious plans for the future.

This is an unpaid position with a time commitment of four in-person board meetings a year (in the evenings 5-7pm) and monthly meetings with the MD (can be online).

The Super Power Agency works with Scotland’s most disadvantaged and under-resourced young people to increase writing skills. Our creative writing workshops make learning fun, and our writing mentors instil confidence. We encourage pupils to put pen to paper, build their writing skills and express themselves.

Founded in 2016, the SPA has worked with more than 5,000 young people. The organisation follows a tried and tested model started in America, 826 National, which has since been adopted by more than 50 organisations worldwide.

We have worked with more than 50 primary and high schools in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunfermline, Musselburgh, Peebles, and Clackmannanshire. We also work with community organisations and have conducted our programmes at the Borders Book Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the National Library of Scotland.

Who are you?

The Board supports the work of the Super Power Agency and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the Managing Director, the Board-MD relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.

We currently have 11 board members who bring a breadth of experience and expertise, and are looking for a Treasurer with experience in financial management, accounting or similar. You will work closely with the MD and accountant to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organisation.

Alongside the MD you will:

1. Ensure compliance with financial regulations
2. Provide financial advice to the MD and board
3. Monitor budgets and cashflow

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the Super Power Agency’s mission. No previous board experience is required.

Are you a passionate leader ready to make a difference in the social care sector? We’re looking for a Director of Corporate Services and Governance to oversee our finance, human resources, shared services, IT, governance, risk management and quality assurance functions. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in shaping our organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring we deliver high-quality, efficient services aligned with our mission.

At Care Support Scotland, we are dedicated to providing high-quality social care services that enhance the lives of those we support. As a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation, we champion a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.

About the role

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Management: Actively participate in the Senior Leadership Team to support the organisation’s objectives and aims. You will provide strategic leadership to the teams, ensuring compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements. You will lead the Corporate Strategy, Business Plan, and Performance Management Framework.
2. Financial Management: Ensure efficient financial operations, overseeing budget preparation, treasury management, and long-term financial planning to ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements.
3. ICT Function: Develop and coordinate an ongoing ICT strategy that maintains the integrity and security of our network, along with effective disaster recovery plans.
4. Shared Services: Ensure GDPR compliance as the Data Protection Officer. Oversee procurement processes to ensure value for money and take strategic responsibility for Health and Safety. You will also be responsible for maintaining and regularly reviewing business continuity plans.
5. Governance & Assurance: Serve as Company Secretary and lead the organisation’s approach to quality improvement and management, establishing a robust quality assurance framework and timely management information infrastructure.
6. Partnership Working: Proactively engage with partnership working to enhance our reputation, representing the organisation in the community, and leading suppliers and outsourced providers in delivering high quality services.
7. Human Resources: Develop and implement people strategies that align with our values and ensure compliance with employment law. Lead talent identification and recruitment strategies while managing complex employee relations issues.
8. Strategic Planning & Organisational Leadership: Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, respect, and accountability. Ensure Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a priority across the organisation, and teams are supported to learn and reflect.

We offer an exceptional benefits package to ensure your personal and professional well-being:

1. 33 days of annual leave, with additional leave as you grow with us
2. Matched employer pension contributions up to 6%, ensuring your future security
3. Additional perks like a Season Ticket Loan, Employee Assistance Programme, Holiday Purchase Scheme, Cycle to work scheme and more

Why Join Us?

At Care Support Scotland, you will be part of a mission-driven organisation committed to making a meaningful impact in our communities. We offer a collaborative and supportive environment where your professional development is a priority, and you can lead transformative initiatives.

If you’re a forward-thinking, values-driven leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you!

About you

We are looking for a strategic leader with a proven ability to drive transformation across key corporate functions, who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

1. A relevant degree (at least SCQF level 10 or above) or equivalent professional qualification in HR, Finance, ICT or Business Management
2. A recognised management qualification (SCQF level 10 or higher) or evidence of substantial management training and development that is in line with the learning outcomes of a management qualification.
3. Significant experience of leading and managing a range of corporate services functions at a senior level, preferably in the social care or charity sector
4. Experience of leading and managing change and innovation, using recognised change management methodologies, within a complex environment
5. Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of current employment law and best practice in HR management, learning and development, and employee engagement
6. Proven track record of developing and implementing effective HR, EDI, and workforce strategies, policies and procedures that support organisational objectives and culture
7. Extensive experience of overseeing the delivery of ICT, digital transformation, marketing and communications projects and services
8. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets and ensure value for money
9. Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence, motivate and inspire others at all levels
10. Evidence of strategic thinking and planning, with the ability to translate vision into action
11. A robust knowledge of risk management approaches and leading on strategic risk management.
12. Experience of working collaboratively and constructively with internal and external stakeholders, including Board members, regulators, funders, and partners
13. Commitment to the values and mission of Care Support Scotland, and to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
14. A postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11 or above) in a relevant field
15. A professional membership of a recognised body such as CIPD, CIMA, BCS, CMI, ICAS
16. Knowledge and understanding of the social care sector in Scotland and the regulatory framework that applies to it
17. Experience of fundraising, income generation, or business development

If you're a forward-thinking, values-driven leader who is ready to take on a strategic role that will shape the future of social care, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of a team making a tangible difference.

We have an exciting and creative opportunity for a new Development Director to be a key member of the Senior Management team, leading an ambitious fundraising strategy for the Book Festival while ensuring that all fundraising activities align with our core organisational mission and values.

The Book Festival expects to raise about £2.1m in 2024 (representing around two-thirds of the total Festival income). The Festival retains much of its funding on an annual basis, has increased the amount raised from several major funding relationships, and has a strong track record in attracting new sponsors, donors and funders, with around 50 organisations sponsoring the Festival each year as well as a number of well-established major donors.

Your mission (if you choose to accept it): join our small but mighty team in a key role as Creative Writing Workshop Facilitator!

Part time, Edinburgh based, you’ll manage our creative writing workshops and interdisciplinary activities. Your dynamism and creativity will increase our impact in the classroom and your communication skills will positively change the lives of all involved.

You also get to wear a cape! A true superhero!

The Super Power Agency (SPA) is a non-profit organisation that seeks to improve the lives and literacy rates of young people from some of Scotland’s most under-resourced areas. Through creative writing workshops, interdisciplinary activities, and individual mentoring, we work with young people aged 8–18 in schools and community organisations. Our creative writing programmes culminate in the publication of a book of the young people’s writing which is shared with their school, families and community.

Our programmes are free to all young people and serviced predominately by volunteers drawn from the communities we work in and serve.

The work of the SPA is based on that of 826 National (826national.org), an educational charity started in San Francisco, California in 2002. The programmes run by 826 National have now been replicated in 9 US cities as well as internationally in London, Dublin, Sydney, Melbourne, Paris, Buenos Aires and Milan. The SPA is proud to be part of this international network that supports the confidence and creativity of young people across the world.

It is an exciting time to join the Super Power Agency as we work towards our goal to expand across Scotland and serve 3,000 young people each year by 2026. The Writing Facilitator would work closely with the wider SPA team, including our volunteers, as well as teachers, schools and other partners across Scotland. Reporting directly to the Programme Manager, the Writing Facilitator will deliver the in-school element of our writing workshops and programmes.

Our school and community programmes run for 8 or 10 weeks, with school groups participating in one workshop per week. The Writing Facilitator will deliver a suite of different workshops across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These sessions vary from creative writing, poetry, and playwriting. The hours will be primarily during the week and during school hours. The Writing Facilitator will also work closely with our SPA volunteers, who support the young people during the in-school workshops.

As well as leading on the delivery of the workshops, the Writing Facilitator will have the opportunity to work with the Programme Manager and wider SPA team to review and shape workshop content. They will also assist the SPA team with final publication of the young people’s work if necessary.

The Writing Facilitator will maintain organisational policies and procedures throughout and promote the organisation and its programmatic accomplishments.

The part-time role is to be carried out across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between our core hours of 9:30am and 3pm. Workshop delivery is across primary and secondary schools throughout Edinburgh.

A full Job Description and Person Specification is available for download below.