Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT) is a dynamic local charity and social enterprise working to make Fountainbridge a better place to live, work, do business and visit. From community canal boat trips to greenspace improvements, volunteer programmes, wellbeing walks and the annual Edinburgh Canal Festival, we deliver projects that promote inclusion, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

We are now looking for a motivated and skilled Organisation Manager to lead our small, dedicated team and help shape the next stage of FCCT’s growth — including the exciting development of our new Canalside Community Space.

About the Role

As FCCT’s most senior staff member, you will provide strategic leadership while staying closely connected to day-to-day operations. This is a hands-on and varied role, ideal for someone who enjoys combining big-picture thinking with practical community-focused delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide inspiring and inclusive leadership for staff and volunteers
• Work with the Board to deliver strategic and operational plans
• Oversee impact measurement and reporting, including the Annual Report

Governance

• Act as the key link between the Board and staff
• Support strong governance, including acting as Company Secretary

Finance & Fundraising

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Drive fundraising, major grant applications, and income generation
• Build strong relationships with funders and partners

Operations & People

• Support and line-manage staff and volunteers
• Oversee social enterprise activities, community programmes, and events
• Lead delivery of flagship initiatives such as the Edinburgh Canal Festival
• Contribute to FCCT’s public profile and digital presence

External Relations

• Act as the public face of FCCT
• Build partnerships with local groups, businesses, and stakeholders
• Champion the value of blue and green spaces and community wellbeing

About You

Essential:

• Strong leadership and management experience in a charity, social enterprise, or community setting
• Proven project management and fundraising skills
• Confident with financial information and decision-making
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery
• Committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and community empowerment

Desirable:

• Experience in community development, volunteering, environmental or heritage projects
• Income generation or social enterprise experience
• Understanding of impact measurement
• Experience supporting volunteers and inclusive participation

What We Offer

• A varied and meaningful leadership role in a friendly, purpose-driven charity
• Flexible working from day one
• Training and development opportunities
• Pro rata holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown period
• 5% employer pension contribution
• An annual canal boat trip

About Us

Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT) is a registered charity and social enterprise dedicated to making Fountainbridge a better place to live, work, do business, and visit. We create and support opportunities that contribute to community wellbeing, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and cultural vibrancy.

Our work includes community boating activities, greenspace development, volunteering programmes, wellbeing walking groups, the Edinburgh Canal Festival, and a growing programme of community events. We are also preparing to open a new Canalside Community Space and to build a new sustainable trip boat for 2026—an exciting period of growth that this role will help bring to life.

The Role

We are looking for a highly organised, proactive Operations and Finance Officer to play a central role in keeping FCCT running smoothly. This varied, hands-on position is ideal for someone who enjoys both structure and flexibility, and who wants to make a real impact in a small, friendly, purpose-driven organisation.

You will take the lead on finance, HR administration, compliance, and day-to-day operations, supporting colleagues, volunteers, and the Board to deliver our mission. This role will also be essential in helping to set up and run the new Canalside Community Space.

Key Responsibilities

Finance

• Bookkeeping, invoicing, banking, petty cash, and debtor management
• Payroll and payments to HMRC and pension providers
• Preparing bi-monthly management accounts and cashflow summaries
• Supporting budget setting, project financial monitoring, and grant reporting
• Liaising with auditors and maintaining robust financial procedures
• Managing purchasing and supporting loan/funding arrangements for the new boat

Operations & Administration

• Managing office systems, booking systems, contracts, insurance, and compliance
• Supporting HR processes including recruitment, inductions, and training records
• Overseeing data collection, GDPR compliance, and impact reporting
• Providing operational support to events and projects
• Managing IT systems and digital subscriptions

About You

Essential

• Experience in finance administration (incl. bookkeeping, payroll, and management accounts)
• Understanding of charity governance and compliance
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting financial information clearly
• High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
• Confident IT user (Microsoft Office, accounting/booking software)
• Commitment to FCCT’s values and mission

Desirable

• Experience with Xero
• HR administration experience
• Interest in community engagement, volunteering, environmental or heritage projects

What We Offer

• A varied and rewarding role in a community-focused organisation
• Flexible working from day one
• Training and development opportunities
• Pro-rata holiday allowance (incl. bank holidays)
• Christmas shutdown
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Annual staff trip on one of our canal boats