An opportunity has arisen to join the Access to Industry (AI) Passport CashBack team, focussing on supporting young people returning to and living within Fife. You will be a self-starter who is able to build trust with young people and develop a network of partners and resources to support the progression of young people. You will be confident working in outreach.

Do you enjoy working with people?

Do you have excellent communication and presentation skills, and experience working with young people?

We are looking for an enthusiastic Project Officer to join Fast Forward’s Going Forward Programme Team. This role will have a focus on formal and informal education settings.

Fast Forward is Scotland’s national youth work agency, focusing on supporting children & young people to make informed choices regarding, and take a harm reduction approach to, risk-taking behaviours, towards reducing the negative impacts of these on their lives and those of their families and wider community.

We promote health through programmes and resources developed by, with and for young people.

Our work is underpinned by the following values:

Integrity - Our work is dynamic and informed by expertise, lived experience and relevant research

Forward Thinking - We are brave and bold. We are creative in our approach to identifying and responding to risk taking behaviour.

Inclusive - We take a person centred approach. We are non-judgemental and respectful.

Collaborative - We coproduce, partner and learn with young people and experts from across the field

We are committed to delivering an inclusive service that creates opportunities for all, and do not tolerate discrimination. We welcome all people inclusive of ethnic background, disability, sex, religion or belief, gender identity or reassignment, sexual orientation, age, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, veteran status, and the many other parts of a person’s identity.

This includes our staff team and Board members, which include individuals from communities with protected characteristics.

Going Forward Project Background The Going Forward Project works with partner organisations to deliver workshop sessions to young people in formal and informal education settings. Our sessions focus on core themes of health, wellbeing and risk-taking behaviours, particularly:  substance misuse (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, e-cigarettes/vaping)  sexual health and relationships  online safety  drink spiking  consent  self-esteem and resilience  gambling harms

If you are interested in having a discussion about this vacancy contact Allie Cherry-Byrnes, CEO, allie@fastforward.org.uk

The Wood Foundation

Our mission at The Wood Foundation is centred on three core areas: developing young people, promoting economic growth, and supporting community development. We invest in initiatives that empower individuals, particularly young people, to reach their full potential and drive positive change within their communities.

In Scotland, we focus on improving education and enterprise, particularly in the Northeast, where we aim to uplift local communities through innovative projects and partnerships. Internationally, our work promotes sustainable development in agriculture, providing opportunities for growth in some of the world's most underserved regions.

What will you do as YPI Partnerships Manager?

As the YPI Partnerships Manager you will be responsible for cultivating and managing partnerships with stakeholders, charitable trusts, and foundations to secure funding for YPI Scotland’s initiatives. You will build and maintain relationships with these key stakeholders, including peer organizations, public bodies, and private sector partners, to enhance collaboration and support. Engaging in forums and working groups, you will contribute to the development of relevant education and social policies impacting young people in Scotland.

Additionally, you will make strong connections with charities and third sector networks while organizing high-profile events and webinars to promote the YPI program and its impact. Leading the planning and execution of our flagship annual YPI Scotland National Event, you will ensure it effectively displays program success and engages stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of funding partnerships to ensure the long-term growth, sustainability, and development of YPI Scotland nationally.
• Identify and nurture new funding relationships with like-minded corporates, charitable trusts, and foundations focused on YPI Scotland’s sustainability and growth.
• Establish and maintain professional and productive relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners, including peer organizations and public, private, and third sector entities.
• Participate in working groups, forums, and partnerships to contribute to the development of relevant education, social, and public policy in Scotland.
• Identify opportunities for The Wood Foundation to raise the profile of programs and investment activities throughout Scotland.
• Continue to develop positive working relationships with charities, third sector interfaces, and national member networks.
• Deliver a program of third sector engagement events and webinars to enhance knowledge and understanding of the YPI program.
• Lead the coordination and delivery of the annual YPI Scotland National Event, ensuring best practices and program impact are effectively showcased within budget.
• Comply with all relevant health and safety requirements and adhere to Foundation policies and procedures.

What do we need from you?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and strategic individual with a proven track record in partnership management, events and fundraising. You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders. A deep understanding of the third sector and the ability to navigate the complexities of public and private partnerships are essential.

You should be proactive in identifying funding opportunities and innovative ways to engage with the community. Experience in event planning and a passion for empowering young people will be crucial as you coordinate impactful initiatives and events. Your commitment to the values of The Wood Foundation and YPI Scotland will be key in driving our mission forward.

Skills and Experience

• Third sector experience – either gained through working in a third sector organisation or delivering/supporting education programme(s) with a focus in a non-profit or social impact environment.
• Fundraising experience – including experience of creating and managing successful funding relationships with corporate and/or Trust and Foundation partners.
• Stakeholder management – Experience of building strong relationships with a range of external stakeholders to raise The Wood Foundations cause.
• Strong organizational skills – The ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and take the initiative to complete tasks and make sure the needs of the organisation are met.
• Computer literate – Excellent ICT and communication skills, including accurate report writing.
• Presentation confidence – verbal presentation skills to a wide and diverse audience.
• Strong team player – Ability to work effectively as part of a small team including proven ability to successfully lead change, be adaptable, solution orientated and contribute effectively to the organisation strategy.

Core Purpose of the Role

To facilitate and support the effective delivery of the Young Enterprise (YE) Scotland and Bridge 2 Business Programmes (B2B) in Scotland to the expected standards, matching the Business Plan Objectives. To support the Managers to continually enhance Enterprise and Entrepreneurial learning and teaching for young people across the Young Enterprise portfolio of resources.

To develop, nurture and maintain relationships with key college contacts to create a strong presence within the college.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate Enterprise Programmes and courses in a variety of appropriate educational & institutional settings including primary, secondary and further education settings.

• Foster an Entrepreneurial mindset to inspire students, and to participate in Enterprise and Entrepreneurial learning activities.

• Develop communication and relationship channels with agencies, partners and key stakeholders in order to offer YE Scotland and B2B Programmes in all educational settings including schools, colleges & the local community. Working collaboratively with these key partners to aid creative deliveries and enterprise activities.

• Proactively participate in all suitable marketing, promotions, publicity, and PR for all Programmes.

• Attend meetings and events as required, ensuring that the exchange of ideas, resources and best practice is updated and maintained.

• Liaise with Educators and all internal and external stakeholders to encourage, develop and co-ordinate suitable Enterprise activity and challenges within the educational arena.

• Identify expansion opportunities within schools and colleges in all geographical areas for all YE Scotland and B2B Enterprise Programmes, representing the organisation to the highest business standards

• Any other similar and appropriate work as agreed with Further Education and Entrepreneurship Manager to benefit YE Scotland.

• Complete and update statistical and administrative information timeously and in accordance with YE Scotland’s’, partner and funding requirements.

• Market and promote YE Scotland by identifying valuable case studies to raise the profile of the charity and attendance at appropriate external events to represent and promote the organisation.

• Stay up to date with sector trends and emerging themes and priorities

• Participate in regular appraisal and reporting with Line Manager, ensuring own continuous professional development is regularly reviewed and updated