About Us
Our mission is to create opportunities, raise aspirations, and reduce inequality for children, young people, and families in Edinburgh—particularly in the Southside, Newington, and Dumbiedykes communities. We aim to provide high quality youth work that supports children and young people to flourish. Our unique approach to working alongside young people—listening, learning, and co-creating aims to achieve solutions that work for them. At its core, Canongate Youth aims to be transformative to young people's lives, this role is central to that entire aim.
Since 1977 we have been working alongside children and young people to provide a safe and welcoming space for them to be themselves, build skills, have fun and access support. Our services are designed with children and young people at the centre and include youth and children's clubs, 1-1 support, group work, outdoor play and holiday activities.
Job Purpose
To work with the Board of Trustees setting the mission, vision, values, and strategic direction for the organisation. Providing leadership and management of the organisation through effective strategic development, implementation and evaluation of agreed operational plans to deliver business objectives. Delivering effective operational management, ensuring legal compliance, appropriate financial and resource management, and effective fundraising and profile raising to achieve organisation long run sustainability.
Our headline strategic objectives empower us to:
· Tackle poverty and inequality
· Raise aspirations
· Provide safe, nurturing spaces
· Combat social isolation
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will drive the overall leadership and direction of the organisation, lead, empower and manage a staff team whilst ensuring budgetary and governance compliance. The role is both strategic and operational requiring the role holder to undertake some caseload related work, therefore supporting fully in our operational delivery.
Experience
You will have significant senior leadership experience and can demonstrate close working relationships with Boards of Trustees. You will be experienced in financial management, including budgeting, fundraising and income generation.
You should be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of strategic and operational planning and evidence of implementing and delivery of organisational strategic goals and plans.
Proven experience of creating a positive team culture built on excellence and integrity, leading and empowering a staff team including excellent staff management and performance management.
Excellent communication skills are essential to ensure the position can collaborate and influence our wide range of partners including third sector funders.
Education
Degree in community development or equivalent youth work experience, and or Business related qualification desirable.
Additional Requirements
· Enthusiasm and vision for the aims and values of Canongate Youth
· Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and empowerment of children, young people and families
· Influencing and negotiating skills
· Ability to coach and mentor staff effectively
· Full, clean driver's licence and access to own vehicle
· Membership of PVG Scheme and complying with CLD Standards Council
Additional Information:
Monday to Friday (some out of hours work)
35 Hours per week
Next Steps
If you have the drive, experience and strategic vision lead and grow the organisation we would like to hear from you.
Please provide a supporting letter together with an up-to-date CV as part of your application.
A closing date of 8 September 2025 has been set. First stage interviews will be scheduled in the week of 15 September 2025.
A full job description and person specification are available on request from
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/09/2025