Building our future

Operating across half of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is one of Europe’s most highly regarded development agencies. HIE’s integration of economic and community development is central to its mission to generate sustainable economic growth in every part of the Highlands and Islands, particularly in fragile areas.

We are looking for an ambitious development manager to support HIE’s work in the community asset space, as well as supporting our delivery of the Scottish Land Fund.

The role

As part of this job you’ll:

• provide support, guidance, and advice to a variety of community groups involved in asset acquisition management and development in the Argyll, Islands and Lochaber areas

• contribute to HIE’s delivery of the Scottish Land Fund, and other community development contracts

• work with key partners, in particular the National Lottery Community Fund and Scottish Government

• progress applications for grant assistance, taking account of HIE’s priorities and due diligence requirements, including monitoring and processing grant claims in accordance with HIE procedures

• provide support on community consultation, formation of a community body, securing funding/private finance and the need to establish a sustainable social enterprise business model

• work effectively as part of a team, actively engaging with colleagues in a range of geographical locations

• liaise closely with other HIE colleagues in area offices to ensure effective regional delivery of HIE’s community asset objectives

• develop and maintain knowledge of key policy/legislation relevant to the sector, and funding/loan opportunities

The person

It’s essential that you are a proactive team player with experience or knowledge of the community/social enterprise development sector. Knowledge of the HIE economy and the challenges faced by rural communities is also essential.

You’ll have strong communication skills and be confident in presenting and speaking at public meetings, as well as working closely with a wide range of internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Being a key member of a dispersed team and being able to successfully balance a wide-ranging workload with ever-changing demands is also essential.