Aberlady, East Lothian (or hybrid/remote)
Closing date: Not specified, apply soon!
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 3500members. Its purpose is to advance the study and appreciation of birds in Scotland by promotingtheir documentation, promoting interest in them, promoting their conservation, providing afocus for information about them and encouraging the appreciation of relevant creative arts.
The Club’s headquarters, which also feature a renowned ornithology library, wildlife artgallery and sales outlet, are in Aberlady, East Lothian. Fifteen nationwide Branches are led bymembers who organise events, outings and projects in their areas. Staff contribute a nationalseries of events, conferences and training activities for members of all ages. Publicationsinclude the highly regarded quarterly journal Scottish Birds, mobile app (Where toWatch Birds in Scotland), regional bird reports, e-newsletters and other online media.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Club Manager will lead and oversee all aspects of running the Club, including its smallteam of staff, volunteers, an annual turnover of about £350,000 and assets which include builtproperty (HQ). They will champion and drive forward the Club’s vision and goals. There will beemphasis on strong leadership to manage and support staff, volunteers and trustees; ensuringthe highest standard of services to members; planning and reporting on the annual programme ofClub-wide events and developing future priorities. The post holder can be based either at our HQ or work remotely, or both. However, frequent time at Aberlady and travel to meetings will be required. Travel expenses are reimbursed. Benefits we offer are flexible working; 29 days' annual leave (increasing to 34 days after one year of service); a dedicated, friendly team of staff and hands-on, supportive trustees; and bird ID skills development.
KEY OBJECTIVES
* To provide strong leadership and management in relation to staff and the provision of allaspects of the Club's delivery of services and support to its members, in line with its statusand responsibilities as a SCIO.
* To liaise and work closely with the SOC’s Council and committees in their work, regularlyreporting 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 directionfor volunteers and contract workers as appropriate. Includes staff work plans and annualappraisals, oversight of all HR functions and support of staff in line with good professionalpractice.
* Ensure the legal requirements of the SCIO are met, including preparation and submission ofan 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, andthe 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, inline with external and internal policy and Risk Register needs. Ensure regular review ofpolicies, advising Management Committee and ensuring awareness of them wherever necessary amongCouncil and Committee members, staff, contractors and volunteer leaders.
* Work with the Office Manager to ensure compliance with all necessary measures for themaintenance 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, includingits 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 officebearers and Council.
* Contribute to the Club’s approach to national Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policiesand Net Zero targets.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate may be expected to demonstrate:
* An understanding of the needs and responsibilities of charities and volunteer-ledmembership 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.
* Confidence with IT systems, including proficiency with Microsoft Office 365. Experience ofCRM 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 listedin the person specification above should be submitted to recruitment@the-soc.org.uk. As we wish to make anappointment as soon as possible, we will be conducting interviews as and when we receive good applications.
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