Do you have a good understanding of social and/or economic policy issues and a proven ability to undertake policy development or campaigning work on specific issues in a wider context? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior Advocacy Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping us to deliver positive change for those affected by the housing emergency in Scotland.

About the role

Your main focus will be to lead Shelter Scotland in effectively advocating for the structural policy changes required to end the housing emergency, driving forward our strategic goals to secure more social homes, strengthen housing rights, and build a lasting movement for change. You’ll develop and communicate clear, evidence-based policy recommendations – drawing on research, lived experience, and sector insight – to influence key stakeholders across government, parliament, and beyond. You’ll commission and manage external research, lead stakeholder events, and work collaboratively across teams to ensure our policy work supports public affairs, media, and operational activity. You’ll also line manage an Advocacy Officer, supporting their development and overseeing their performance.

Role specifics

You’ll bring strong experience in crafting high-impact communications that influence decision-makers and persuade key stakeholders. With a solid understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and public policy processes – particularly within the Scottish Government and Parliament – you’ll have a proven track record of driving change through effective advocacy and relationship-building at a senior level. You’ll be proactive in spotting opportunities to influence policy, responding strategically to external developments. Alongside this, you’ll have experience managing externally funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, and will be confident leading and motivating a team to achieve shared goals.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The Advocacy Team is part of Shelter Scotland’s Communications and Advocacy Department and is responsible for developing the charity’s policy positions, research plan, and public affairs and professional stakeholder engagement.

The Advocacy team works closely with colleagues in Community Advice and our Telephone and Online Advice services to capture evidence of how Scotland’s broken and biased housing system is impacting communities, and colleagues in Communications and Engagement to translate this evidence into compelling public campaigns and fundraising appeals. The team have led the organisation on developing an anti-racism evidence base, the economic and social benefits of social housing investment and the case for a human rights-based approach to meeting housing need.

All Roads Lead to Whithorn SCIO is seeking an experienced, motivated Charity Manager to lead the next stage of growth for our newly refurbished community hall, gym, luxury bunkhouse and small portfolio of social housing. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high-quality rural community hub and asset that creates new opportunities for Whithorn and the wider Machars.

The trustees are determined to appoint the right person and can offer flexibility in how the role is structured for a candidate with the skills and track record we need. We will also consider an interim Charity Manager arrangement for the right person. Hybrid working (part hall-based, part home-based) is possible, and for candidates from further afield we can offer overnight accommodation in our on-site bunkhouse as part of the package.

About the role

The Charity Manager will have overall responsibility for strategic, financial and operational management across:

• Whithorn’s community hall and activity space
• The on-site gym
• The luxury bunkhouse
• A small number of social housing properties
• Wider community projects and development activity

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership – Working with trustees to develop, implement and review the charity’s strategy, turning ideas into deliverable plans and projects.
• Funding and opportunity sourcing – Identifying opportunities, leading high-quality grant applications, developing relationships with funders and partners, and building new income streams linked to the hall, gym, bunkhouse and housing. Proven experience in grant and opportunity sourcing is essential.
• Financial oversight – Working with our external bookkeeper to review reports, approve payments, monitor budgets and cashflow, lead annual budgeting and provide clear financial updates to the Board. Oversight of VAT, HMRC and payroll through external providers.
• Governance and compliance – Ensuring policies and procedures (health & safety, safeguarding, GDPR, insurance, housing compliance) are up to date and followed.
• People and operations – Line-managing the Facilities, Gym & Bunkhouse Coordinator and a casual Community & Hospitality Support Worker, supporting volunteers and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across all sites.
• External relations – Acting as an ambassador for the charity with community members, partners, funders and visitors; promoting the facilities and the Whithorn area as a destination.

About you

You will bring:

• Proven experience in charity, community or social enterprise management.
• A strong track record of successful grant and opportunity sourcing (must-have).
• Confidence with budgets and financial information, and experience working with finance/admin support.
• Good understanding of governance, health & safety, safeguarding and GDPR.
• Experience line-managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

Experience in housing management, community facilities, tourism, accommodation or rural regeneration would be an advantage but is not essential.

Working arrangements

We are committed to getting the right person in post and can offer:

• Hybrid working (hall-based and home-based) by agreement.
• Consideration of an interim Charity Manager arrangement for suitably skilled candidates.
• Overnight bunkhouse accommodation for candidates travelling from further afield where needed.

Whithorn is a beautiful rural area with rich heritage, stunning landscapes and a growing reputation for cycling, walking and cultural tourism. This role is ideal for someone who wants to make a tangible difference by turning a high-quality physical resource into a vibrant, sustainable hub of community life and opportunity.

Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) are seeking an Executive Director of Youth & Enterprise. As Director you will collaborate with the MYDG Board of trustees to develop organisational strategies, ensure the highest safety standards are in place and followed. Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, oversee the financial aspects, including fundraising and budget management of both the youth development work and social enterprise. You will raise the profile of MYDG in the community build strong relationships with stakeholders, and act as an inspiring role model for both young people and staff

About the role:

Muirhouse Youth Development Group is a young person focused community Charity. We deliver high quality youth work, providing experiential education programmes, personal and social development, skills acquisition programmes and vocational qualifications. MYDG exists to support young people at key points in their life - Organisation for all, no matter who you are, where you are at, where you have come from and where you are going. We strive to be a fully diverse organisation working with our community to ensure this is woven throughout our way of work.

Key responsibilities:

Financial Leadership

• Fully accountable for the entire funding cycle, ensuring organisational sustainability. Must be able to generate large funds across multi-year, short-term and social enterprise income streams.

Strategic Management

• Develop, implement and lead the organisation into the future.

Manage Team & Stakeholders

• Build, Develop, Lead and manage a strong team to achieve MYDG’s Goals. Ensuring HR compliance and strong governance are in place. Acting as an inspiring role model, being the face of the charity.

Essential Experience

To be successful in this role , you will have skills and experience in the following areas;

• Executive Financial Leadership: A verifiable track record of personally securing and managing in annual funding from diverse sources, including complex multi-year grants, philanthropic trusts, and earned income streams.
• Social Enterprise Development: Demonstrated success in developing, launching, and scaling a commercial venture or social enterprise (e.g., outdoor centre, hospitality, or training arm), including full accountability for business planning, market analysis, and sales/marketing strategy.
• Strategic Youth Sector Leadership: Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role within a youth, community, or third-sector organisation, demonstrating the ability to set and achieve strategic goals and drive impact in a community-focused environment.
• People & Governance Management: Extensive experience leading and motivating multi-disciplinary teams (staff, sessional workers, and volunteers), with a deep, practical understanding of HR compliance, safeguarding, and Board governance within a Scottish charity context.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Management: A proven ability to act as the public face of an organisation, representing its values, and building high-level relationships with funders, community leaders, partners, and political stakeholders.

Job specification

Development of Organisation and Team:

• Collaborate with the MYDG Board to develop strategies and operational plans aligned with the organisation’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Shape, implement, and lead the successful execution of MYDG, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Strengthen MYDG’s capacity to meet aims and objectives while maintaining a sustainable structure.
• Maximise the potential of the MYDG Team, sessional staff, volunteers, and young people.
• Oversee the management of MYDG staff, ensuring accurate staff records and financial documentation are maintained through effective delegation.
• Represent and promote MYDG’s history, present context, and future aspirations to ensure the organisation’s brand is widely known and clearly understood.
• Ensure resources within MYDG are effectively connected to outcomes for young people.

Management of MYDG Team:

• Lead, manage, and supervise the MYDG Team.
• Provide guidance and support to MYDG’s Youth Development Team to ensure strategic outcomes are met.
• Oversee staff scheduling and manage hours for the Team.
• Provide the MYDG Board with monthly leadership reports and relevant updates to ensure strong governance and effective management of the organisation, meeting all legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities.
• Facilitate clear communication across the organisation and take responsibility for maintaining the health of key partnerships and relationships with external stakeholders.
• Identify training needs and opportunities for the team and oversee the implementation of annual staff appraisals and development plans.
• Act as an inspiring role model for both young people and staff.
• Delegate tasks appropriately and ensure accountability.

HR Procedures and Policies:

• Ensure policies and procedures are current, relevant, and adhered to, leading by example while ensuring legal compliance across the organisation.
• Manage and oversee recruitment processes for MYDG staff.
• Handle / Oversee HR responsibilities, including contracts, staff appraisals, development plans, timesheets, holidays, PVG checks, and expenses.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety, & well-being standards for all staff, volunteers & users.
• Keep the staff handbook updated and ensure its proper implementation.

Partnership Work:

• Lead and manage partnership initiatives for MYDG.
• Maintain regular communication with key partners.
• Identify and foster new partnership opportunities.
• Ensure partnership agreements are prioritised, maintained, and adhered to.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders and partners, ensuring alignment with agreements.

Funding and Budgeting Responsibilities:

• Fully accountable for the entire funding cycle of MYDG’s work, including identifying funding sources, applications, and commissioning.
• Ensure the Team meets its key outcomes in line with MYDG’s goals and funder expectations.
• Provide an overview of all finances in collaboration with the finance administrator.
• Oversee and review funding proposals submitted by the Youth Development Team.

Social Enterprise & Commercial Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and review of comprehensive business plans for the Pilton Retreat social enterprise to ensure profitability and sustained mission delivery.
• Direct all market research activities to identify potential customers and market niches for the centre, ensuring competitive and sustainable pricing.
• Develop and oversee a robust marketing and sales strategy to drive revenue and promote the social and ethical value of choosing MYDG's enterprise services.
• Ensure the commercial strategy adheres to best practices in social enterprise traits (i.e., profits are reinvested into the youth development mission) and builds long-term financial sustainability for the entire organisation.
• Actively manage the balance between commercial success and the maintenance of high-quality community outcomes and youth engagement.