INTRODUCTION
Established in 1936 and one of Scotland’s leading wildlife bodies, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is a registered
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with some 3500 members. Its purpose is to advance the study
and appreciation of birds in Scotland by promoting their documentation, promoting interest in them, promoting
their conservation, providing a focus for information about them and encouraging the appreciation of relevant
creative arts.
The Club’s headquarters, which also feature a renowned ornithology library, wildlife art gallery and sales outlet,
are in Aberlady, East Lothian. Fifteen nationwide Branches are led by members who organise events, outings and
projects in their areas. Staff contribute a national series of events, conferences and training activities for
members of all ages. Publications include the highly regarded quarterly journal Scottish Birds, mobile app
(Where to Watch Birds in Scotland), regional bird reports, e-newsletters and other online media.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Club Manager will lead and oversee all aspects of running the Club, including its small team of staff,
volunteers, an annual turnover of about £350,000 and assets which include built property (HQ). They will
champion and drive forward the Club’s vision and goals. There will be emphasis on strong leadership to manage
and support staff, volunteers and trustees; ensuring the highest standard of services to members; planning and
reporting on the annual programme of Club-wide events and developing future priorities.
KEY OBJECTIVES:
- To provide strong leadership and management in relation to staff and the provision of all aspects of the
Club's delivery of services and support to its members, in line with its status and responsibilities as a
SCIO.
- To liaise and work closely with the SOC’s Council and committees in their work, regularly
reporting to and advising Council and Management Committee.
- To support and drive forward the continuous
improvement of the Club.
- To oversee the effective running and maintenance of the Club’s headquarters in
Aberlady.
- To support the Club’s network of local branches throughout Scotland.
MAIN WORK AREAS
- Lead, direct and manage our staff team (nine employees), and provide guidance and direction for volunteers and
contract workers as appropriate. Includes staff work plans and annual appraisals, oversight of all HR functions
and support of staff in line with good professional practice.
- Ensure the legal requirements of the SCIO
are met, including preparation and submission of an Annual Report and Statement of Accounts to the Scottish
charity regulator (OSCR)
- Oversee the planning and organisation of the Club’s autumn annual conference
and AGM, and the joint SOC/BTO spring conference.
- Work with SOC Secretary to support the Club’s
volunteer-led Council and committees, including timely production of papers, reports and minutes, as
required.
- Review and update as necessary staff support for Club Branches.
- Together with relevant
committees, develop and monitor forward planning for the Club.
- Ensure implementation of all H&S,
safeguarding and risk management responsibilities, in line with external and internal policy and Risk Register
needs. Ensure regular review of policies, advising Management Committee and ensuring awareness of them wherever
necessary among Council and Committee members, staff, contractors and volunteer leaders.
- Work with the
Office Manager to ensure compliance with all necessary measures for the maintenance and management of Waterston
House and its users.
- Ensure appropriate insurance cover for all relevant Club needs, including property,
people, events and activities.
- Oversee the staff role in contributing to preparation and monitoring of
our annual budget, reporting regularly to relevant committees.
- Oversee and support as appropriate all
Club publications and media activities, including its website, Scottish Birds, newsletters and other
communications.
- Ensure that statutory Data Protection requirements and obligations are
met.
- Ensure that the Club’s IT infrastructure is adequate, robust and up to date.
- Explore
additional avenues for Club funding, make recommendations to the Club office bearers and
Council.
- Contribute to the Club’s approach to national Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policies and
Net Zero targets.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate may be expected to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the needs and responsibilities of charities and volunteer-led membership bodies.
- Demonstrable team management, leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to both plan and report on organisational work programmes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Event (e.g. conference) management skills.
- Confidence with IT systems, including proficiency with Microsoft Office 365. Experience of CRM software would be advantageous.
- A general understanding of priorities for ornithology in Scotland.
Applications comprising CV and covering letter and indicating how you meet the criteria listed in the person
specification above should be submitted to recruitment@the-soc.org.uk by 5pm, Friday 7th June 2024. As we wish
to make an appointment as soon as possible, we will be conducting interviews as and when we receive suitable
applications.