This Development Officer post will deliver a two-year National Lottery funded project to support the recovery and growth of the community sector in Berwickshire as we come out of the current pandemic. The overall aim of the project is to support local capacity building to reduce social isolation and increase well-being in our rural communities across Berwickshire.

Using a repurposed minibus as a mobile community hub, the Development Officer will work with communities across Berwickshire to plan a programme of community events tailored to meet the needs of different geographic and thematic communities. The Development Officer will work will local communities, local and national 3rd sector organisations, and other service providers to support the establishment and the longer-term sustainability of local groups/ activities.

To provide efficient, flexible and proactive support to the Chief Executive and to assist and provide support to Bavs key departments: Community Development, Shops and Berwickshire Wheels by providing administrative and clerical support while helping to ensure that the charity meets its goals and objectives.

The Business Support Officer will be tasked with handling a wide range of duties, from managing emails, answering phones and scheduling appointments to filing paperwork and managing our membership and engagement databases.

Bavs is an independent charity providing community development services in Berwickshire for over 50 years. We have reached an exciting new stage of development and have been consulting with communities on our new strategy. Bavs new focus will be:

• Developing our charity shops to become zero waste hubs.
• Work with other community groups and organisations to support the development of local projects aimed to reduce waste and promote re-use, upcycle using second-hand items.
• Continue to support voluntary action to create positive change within the organisation and with partners across Berwickshire.
• Facilitate networking and enable collaboration.
• Support the development of grass roots community projects in line with Bavs strategy.
• Support the transition of Berwickshire Wheels to the Borders Community Transport in year 1.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an Executive Officer to lead us into the next phase of our development. We need someone with a proven track record of achievement at a senior level, with at least three years in a senior role leading, developing and managing teams. A creative thinker, you’ll have developed visionary strategic plans and delivered transformational implementation projects and plans.

Experience of working collaboratively and building partnerships is as well as excellent communication skills, including public speaking and using all media channels.

Your background will include working with a Board of Trustees or similar to offer guidance and advice to ensure their decision-making is robust.

You’ll have financial management skills, such as budget setting, business planning and monitoring income and expenditure. You will also have a track record in developing and implementing a fundraising strategy or business development and income generation.

You will also need to demonstrate your leadership abilities and the expertise to motivate our staff and volunteers.

You’ll be self-motivated, self-disciplined and be a problem solver. You can demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment and work to high ethical standards and values.

What you will be doing

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the new phase of Bavs. The priorities for this role are:

• Developing the organisation
• Strategic development, planning and reporting
• Finance and income generation
• Governance and supporting the Board of Trustees
• Leadership and motivation of the staff and volunteers

You will be responsible for delivering an ambitious strategy and securing funds to support it, as well as overseeing sound financial planning, organisational development and operational management. You’ll provide leadership, management and motivation in a positive and collaborative culture that develops and supports staff and volunteers.

Working with the Board of Trustees, you will develop a financial strategy to support the design, delivery and development of high-quality services. You will submit funding applications and tenders to enable us to meet our ambitions, and implement the strategic day- to-day financial management of the organisation.

Working with the Board, you will ensure that effective governance, monitoring and reporting systems are in place.

What you will get

The salary is £38,000 pro rata for 22.5 hours per week, plus essential car user’s expenses. You will get 25 days annual leave as well as 10 days public holidays. This is a permanent post.

There’s a pension contribution and enhanced sickness pay.

We offer a flexible working policy to support the work/life balance of our employees. This post is hybrid, working between home, office and the three shops across Berwickshire.