About The Polar Academy

The Polar Academy is a life-changing charity that transforms the lives of young people through adventure. We identify “invisible” teenagers—those who struggle with confidence and self-belief—and take them on extraordinary polar expeditions that unlock their potential.

As we continue to grow and inspire more young people, we are looking for a passionate and driven Fundraising Manager to help secure vital funding and build strong, lasting relationships with supporters.

The Role

As our Fundraising Manager, you will lead and implement our fundraising strategy, securing income that supports our annual budget and long-term growth. You will work closely with key stakeholders, including Patrons, Charitable Trusts, and corporate partners, ensuring they feel engaged and valued in supporting The Polar Academy’s mission.

If you love building relationships, thinking creatively about fundraising, and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

We are seeking a fundraiser to maximise success in the role with a competitive salary of up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience). As the charity expands, there is potential for this role to evolve, offering the opportunity to shape how we fund our work long term and build a team that supports The Polar Academy’s continued success.

Background:

Dynamic Earth is an educational charity on a mission to empower people with understanding and empathy for the Earth. Our Learning and Engagement Service create, curate and deliver a diverse programme of events and experiences throughout the year which support the delivery of Dynamic Earth’s strategic plan and charitable purpose. You can find out more here.

As part of our learning and engagement team, you will work with a broad range of audiences to create, co-ordinate and deliver a wide variety of informal science learning events and experiences which deliver our charitable mission, vision and purpose. You will work across a breadth of Earth and environmental science and sustainability topics and different forms of interpretation to deliver impactful experiences which support our strategic plan and national priorities. This will involve working effectively as part of the science learning and engagement team – and with colleagues across the charity - on shared activity, as well as individually on defined projects and activity areas.

Role Purpose:

To develop, co-ordinate and deliver learning and engagement events and experiences with a wide range of audiences – both locally and nationally – which deliver organisational and national priorities in an impactful way.

The Project

Built in 1829, the former Royal High School is one of the most remarkable buildings in Edinburgh, and one of the most important neoclassical buildings in Scotland. It holds a truly awe-inspiring location with stunning views of Edinburgh.

The Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT) was formed in 2015 to conserve the history and heritage of the former Royal High School for cultural and community benefit commensurate with the building’s history and Category A-listing and UNESCO World Heritage site status.

The building has not had a permanent use since 1968 but the RHSPT has bold plans to redevelop the building through a £69m capital project into a cultural destination and iconic arts venue. It will become the National Centre for Music, where innovative programming, partnerships with our city’s festivals, and collaborations with Scotland’s talented musicians and performing companies will generate a vibrant creative energy every day. Visitors will listen, watch, learn, discover and practice music in every room.

The unused grounds surrounding the former Royal High School building will be transformed into a beautiful garden that is free for all to visit, located at the foot of the city’s iconic Calton Hill.

The Role

The Finance Manager will oversee all aspects of financial operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial data and reporting. Responsibilities will include managing day-to-day finance activities, reviewing fully accrued monthly management accounts for the Board, and producing a trial balance with supporting evidence for the annual audit.

This is a permanent role with responsibilities split across two organisations. The Finance Manager will work for RHSPT through the delivery of the £69m capital project, supporting the National Centre for Music in a modest way with comparable tasks, and will then move to employment with the National Centre for Music (separate charity number SC052564.) when it takes control of the site in 2027. Both organisations currently work from the same offices and are close collaborators. Further detail will be provided to applicants prior to interview.

Are you passionate about making a difference? This could be the role for you!

Are you someone who believes in second chances? Do you have the passion and commitment to help people turn their lives around?

At Apex Scotland, we work with individuals who have been involved in the justice system, supporting them to build brighter futures. From helping people find work or boosting their confidence and motivation, we’re here to provide guidance, encouragement, and practical solutions.

As Operational Service Manager in the North of Scotland region, you will have oversight for the leadership and management of Apex Scotland services and staff delivery teams, in the area. You will be responsible for the Highland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire areas, progressing our key partnerships for the delivery of high-quality services that drive maximum, meaningful impact for the people we exist to support.

You will also be allocated an area of work to lead on that is of strategic importance to Apex Scotland - Amplifying Lived Experience.

What you’ll be doing:

• Maintain and grow working relationships with key contractual and service delivery partners.
• Manage budgets attached to service contracts and contribute to organisational budget management.
• Have responsibility for high quality service provision where participant needs are met.
• Have oversight for contractual target performance and monitoring.
• Line management responsibility for a team of Lead Practitioners, Practitioners and Support Workers.
• Manage and oversee casework for effective work with participants.
• Challenge stigma and advocate for second chances.
• Be an active member of the Apex Scotland Management team.

You might be a great fit if you:

• Have leadership experience.
• Can work in collaboration with others understanding all stakeholder needs.
• Hold emotional intelligence, have good judgement and decision-making ability.

What We Offer:

• Full training - no prior experience in criminal justice needed.
• A supportive and inclusive team that values your unique skills.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
• This role is ideal for anyone with experience in leadership and who has an understanding of service provision, meeting the needs of individual people while adhering to contractual requirements, taking cognisance of policy and strategy.

You will operate and be required to have a weekly presence throughout the geography specified (Highland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire). As an active member of the Apex Scotland Management team you will be required to attend regular management meetings at a location directed by the organisation and attend online sessions.

Membership of the Prevention of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is required.

We offer some great benefits, including family friendly policies, flexible and hybrid working and work-life balance. We also have generous annual leave entitlement, employee wellbeing scheme (Perkbox), pension scheme and death in service, company sick pay.

We welcome applications from individuals who share Apex Scotland’s aims and values and value diversity from all sections of the community.