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.

About Street Soccer

Street Soccer is a charity using football to create lasting change in the lives of isolated and excluded adults and young people. We run 60 sessions a week of free, inclusive and judgement-free football. These sessions provide person-centred support to players facing a number of challenges including mental health, homelessness, long term unemployment, problem substance use, criminal justice and seeking asylum. Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all.

We support thousands of players a year on their journey to positive change by providing a safe space, trusting relationships and a sense of belonging. We fight isolation and exclusion by bringing people together, building confidence and creating supportive communities. We support people of all ages and backgrounds through relationship-based support, focusing on trust and personal development, supporting everyone to set and achieve their own goals. Thanks to the support of Street Soccer, 82% of players say that their quality of life has improved.

Lived experience is at the heart of what we do, with over 80% of our staff having lived experience of the challenges our players face. 97% of players think that Street Soccer is a unique organisation. With 15 years of experience delivering positive change through football, we are now working in more communities than ever, with city hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and South London, and network of sessions across 6 other local authorities.

Role Purpose

Since 2015 Street Soccer has been delivering Football themed personal development qualifications within 12 prisons across Scotland to both men and women, focusing on building transferable life skills and self-esteem to best prepare for release. Street Soccer players who have engaged in our Prisons Programme are 9x less likely to experience prison or probation following their engagement.

We are now pleased to be delivering our Prisons Programme in partnership with SACRO. This exciting partnership means that we are looking to expand our team delivering this programme across East & West Scotland to support delivering the programme to our players but also to support those nearing liberation and then through the gate into our 60 community drop-in sessions that take place across the country.

We are particularly interested in applications from those with experience of Criminal Justice, further information about our Safer Recruitment process can be found within section 8 of our Safeguarding Policy.

Are you passionate about creating a positive student experience? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where no two days are the same? If so, join us at the Highlands and Islands Students' Association (HISA) as the Local Coordinator for Orkney & Shetland!

Why you’ll love this role:

• Be the face of HISA at UHI Orkney, engaging with students and stakeholders to enhance student life.
• Work closely with student officers and staff to bring student-led initiatives and events to life, from Freshers to club development.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid working model—3-4 days on campus, with the option to work from home outside term time.
• Collaborate with a supportive team to drive student engagement, deliver impactful campaigns, and shape student representation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the go-to person for students, encouraging involvement in HISA activities.
• Support a range of exciting projects, including elections, Freshers’ events, student clubs, and societies.
• Build relationships with staff and stakeholders to ensure students’ voices are heard and valued.
• Provide advice and signposting for students seeking academic and pastoral support.
• Assist with the smooth running of the Student Voice Representative system.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong communication skills and a passion for student engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in a student-facing role or similar will be a plus.