Charity registered in Scotland SC035294
Newbattle Abbey College is Scotland’s life-changing adult education college, offering extensive support to adults and young people at points of transition. The college also plays a national role in the strategic development of adult learning in partnership with a range of agencies.
Set within an historic 16th century building and 125 acres of ancient woodland and parkland in Midlothian, a few miles from Edinburgh, the College is a registered charity and was established under a Governing Deed of Trust, the Trustees of which have historically included the Principals and Vice Chancellors of Scotland’s ancient universities.
Due to an increased focus on generating income to support its vision and purpose, a new post of Business Development Manager has been created to drive further growth in the college’s commercial activity.
The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing income from a range of activities and identifying and successfully implementing new income streams. You will embrace the college’s purpose, vision and values and will thrive in a dynamic and unique environment. You will have demonstrable experience of setting and achieving growth income targets, developing successful marketing strategies and maintaining effective external relationships. You will be highly adaptable and enjoy working as part of a small team to find creative solutions and achieve goals.
Reporting directly to the Director of Operations and Business Development (DOBD), and working closely with the Principal and Depute Principal, you will play a full part in the strategic leadership and direction of the college. You will also have an outward-facing role, supporting our commercial and other strategic partnerships.
Newbattle Abbey College offers adults of all ages the opportunity to enjoy a high quality learning experience within an historic heritage site. We are a residential college and our motto is ‘Sero Sed Serio’ (Late but in Earnest). This describes our students, most of whom are over 18 years of age, who are returning to education after varied life experiences. We also work with young people at points of transition in school or in the community.
Newbattle Abbey College has an exciting opportunity for the right person with an interest in furthering or developing their career in event management. This is a maternity cover for six months, and will give the successful candidate a broad range of experience.
This is a key role within our small team, and we would consider a job share for the right candidates. The job description sets out the role in more detail, and if you would like an informal chat, please contact Mary Slater, Director of Operations & Business Development on 0131 663 1921, or email: MarySlater@NAC.ac.uk
Who we are
Newbattle Abbey College is an adult education college, offering extensive support to adults returning to education and to younger learners at points of transition. It is one of Scotland’s smallest colleges, offering access to further and higher education in social sciences and humanities as well as rural skills. We receive core funding from the government, and the balance of our income is generated through funding and commercial activities, including events and residential programmes. Our partners include national agencies, colleges, universities, schools, local authorities, employers and the voluntary sector. We also have an international dimension and have partnerships with language schools who bring students from all over the world, and a long term partnership with Wisconsin University.
What the role is
Due to retirement we are seeking to appoint a talented and enthusiastic Director of Operations and Business Development (DOBD). As one of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the Principal and Depute Principal, the DOBD plays a major part in achieving the college’s strategic objectives and in contributing to the leadership and development of the college. A good knowledge of a range of corporate functions is necessary, as the post holder will provide leadership across the college’s operational and professional services. This includes, finance, estates, catering, IT and HR. An ability to identify commercial opportunities is important, as this is a strong outward facing role, leading on and supporting our commercial and other strategic partnerships.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a candidate who is able to embrace the college’s purpose, vision and values and who will thrive in a dynamic and unique environment. You will be highly adaptable and enjoy working in a small team to find creative solutions and achieve goals. Qualified to SCQF level 10 (Honours Degree level) and committed to personal and professional development, it would be an advantage to have a finance qualification, but not essential. However, we would want experience of financial planning, management and reporting. The ability to lead teams across the college and excellent communication skills are essential. Good decision making, organizational and problem solving skills are also necessary.
An exciting opportunity to join our college as a Director of the Board
Newbattle Abbey College is seeking to recruit several new members to its Board of Directors. You may never have considered a Board position before; however, your experience may be invaluable! Many of us do not realise how much we have to offer, so even if you are not sure that the Boardroom is for you, please contact us and discuss the role and the contribution you could make.
The Board of Directors has a pivotal role in achieving our ambition. As a Director of the Board, you will demonstrate commitment, provide leadership and strategic direction for the College, drive excellence in corporate governance, and support staff to deliver the highest standards of learning and teaching. The Board also has a crucial role in engaging with key stakeholders, businesses, and employers across the community and beyond. Board Directors are expected to act as public ambassadors and advocates for the College, valuing and respecting diversity and promoting an ethos of inclusion, equality, and positive well-being.
The time commitment may be up to 10 days per year, mainly in the afternoons/early evenings. The post is not remunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment term will be up to four years in the first instance.
If you would like further information about the role or to arrange a discussion, please contact Pauline Donald, Board Governance Advisor (interim) paulinedonald@nac.ac.uk.
Remuneration: The post is not remunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead the Board of Directors at what is an incredibly exciting time for the College as we work to develop our vision for the future.
As Chair of the Board of Directors you should have the ability to influence and lead other stakeholders, set high ambitions and standards for our college system whilst promoting the highest standards of governance to improve the learning experience and outcomes for our students.
If you would like further information about the role, to arrange a discussion or to receive any of the documentation in an alternative format, please contact Pauline Donald, Board Governance Advisor (interim) paulinedonald@nac.ac.uk.
Remuneration:
The post is not remunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.