An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior management post within Families Outside. This is a key role for a dynamic and passionate individual interested in making a real difference in the lives of families affected by imprisonment. If you are skilled and motivated to take strategic and operational responsibility for the support of children and families and have the skills and experience to lead a team of dedicated staff, among other attributes, we would like to hear from you!

This role is primarily based in our Head Office in Edinburgh but would be feasible for anyone in the central belt.

About the role

Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland that works solely to support children and families affected by imprisonment. This senior management post leads the strategic development and implementation of the work of Families Outside’s Family Support team, linking the work of the Regional Managers and Regional Family Support Coordinators, national Helpline, and support to Prison Visitors’ Centres to improve outcomes for children and families throughout Scotland who are affected by imprisonment. The post holder will lead and inspire a team of managers to deliver high quality integrated support within our values framework (Compassion, Integrity, Tenacity, and Expertise). Undertaking and leading on significant projects, providing strategic leadership, and promoting and representing Families Outside are all key components of this challenging role.

About you

You will need a proven relevant track record, possibly gained in a range of sectors where you operated at a senior level with external audiences and engaged with, and influenced, a variety of stakeholders. You will also need demonstrable experience in managing and developing a diverse family support service, working collaboratively to support families caught up in criminal justice processes, significant experience of child and adult protection and trauma-informed practice, and extensive experience of managing staff, students, and volunteers.

Someone who thrives on working collaboratively with others for the good of the business, you will be adept at building a network of good relationships and have an ability to develop a thorough understanding of the organisation and the wider sector quickly. You will be a good listener and positive influencer who communicates clearly, verbally and in writing; is reasonably comfortable with the media and Parliamentary bodies; and, where appropriate, is able to persuade others to change their views, intentions, or actions.

The leadership role of Director of Services is key for the organisation: you will lead a team of 4 – 5 managers, and as a member of the 3-person Senior Management Team will report directly to the CEO. Providing leadership and effective day-to-day management of the Family Support Team, you will ensure that Families Outside is a key contributor to local and national policy and the lead national voice on issues relating to families affected by imprisonment.

This is an exciting role for the right applicant. It comes at a time where Families Outside has undertaken a major restructuring programme and is regrouping to make best use of our capacity. This is an exciting time to join the team, where you will have the opportunity to deliver the ambitions of Families Outside on a national and international stage.

Staff Benefits

25 flexible leave days plus 10 public holidays

4% matched contribution workplace pension scheme

Hybrid & flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Laptop and mobile phone for all staff

The Dundee Bairns Wellbeing Manager will oversee two full-time workers to address poverty and welfare for children and families within the new Greenfield Academy within Drumgieth Campus and its cluster schools. The role will focus on whole-family support, ensuring children and families receive the necessary assistance through existing Dundee Bairns programs and wider community services. Wellbeing Manager will also lead the formation and development of the Dundee Bairns Youth Fairness Panel, ensuring the voices of children and young people with lived experience shape future support initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Management & Leadership: Work in partnership with key school staff to identify where Dundee Bairns support within the new school and cluster schools will sit. Supervise and support two full-time workers in delivering dignified family welfare initiatives and preventative welfare initiatives.
• Referral & Support: Identify and refer children into Dundee Bairns support programs.
• Educational & Community Engagement: Organise supporting and educational activities for children and families.
• Signposting & Advocacy: Help families access wider community supports as needed.
• Collaboration & Networking: Work closely with the wider Dundee Bairns staff team, school staff, head teachers, school support staff, and volunteers
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with children, families, headteachers, board of trustees, and other key stakeholders.
• Youth Fairness Panel Leadership: Establish and coordinate the Dundee Bairns Youth Fairness Panel to champion the voices of children and young people with lived experience. Ensure their insights shape future programs and policies.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience in family support, social work, education, or community engagement.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to build relationships with families, schools, and community organisations.
• Knowledge of poverty-related challenges affecting children and families.
• Experience in youth engagement, empowerment, or advocacy.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Reporting to: Executive Director of Dundee Bairns

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference to lives of children in Scotland using their knowledge and experience in income generation and fundraising across different sectors.

Working in a busy and target-driven environment, the Senior Business Development Officer will work closely with the Income Generation Manager, Leadership Team and other key parts of the charity to ensure that income generation opportunities are maximised in line with Strategic and Delivery Plans, and Income Generation Strategy.

Based within the Development & Engagement department and reporting to the Income Generation Manager (department Head in the interim), the role specifically focusses on activity linked to:

• Corporate relationships and partnerships – development of new ones and maintaining current ones, with a focus on income and other benefits-in-kind
• Income generation – through sponsorship / exhibition / advertising sales and supporting consultancy and commissioned training offers
• Grant and tender applications – researching opportunities and supporting applications
• Fundraising – donations and new opportunities

About Children in Scotland

Giving all children in Scotland an equal chance to flourish is at the heart of everything we do.

By bringing together a network of people working with and for children, alongside children and young people themselves, we offer a broad, balanced and independent voice. We create solutions, provide support and develop positive change across all areas affecting children in Scotland. We do this by listening, gathering evidence, and applying and sharing our learning, while always working to uphold children’s rights.

Our range of knowledge and expertise means we can provide trusted support on issues as diverse as the people we work with and the varied lives of children and families in Scotland.

Diversity

Children in Scotland values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their background. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open processes, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone.