Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre is a SCIO charity based in Drylaw, Edinburgh. From young people to older adults, we run projects that build confidence and help to achieve positive changes within their community. Currently we run a supported community gardening scheme, several community groups and a youth work programme.

Our charitable aims and objectives are:

To develop the capacity and skills of people living in socially and economically disadvantaged areas in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to create active, flourishing communities. To run a Neighbourhood Centre, primarily for the benefit of Drylaw, Telford and other communities in North Edinburgh.

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced development co-ordinator who will support the centre to offer a range of opportunities and activities for people within the community of Drylaw and Telford. Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre is a friendly and welcoming place that is highly valued by those that use it as well as the wider community.

We are looking for someone who will co-ordinate the activities of the centre, including staff and volunteers and who will work to build relationships with other local organisations as well as people in the local community who may benefit from the activities and services it can provide.

Charitable fundraising experience would also be beneficial to the role.

Drylaw Telford Community Organisation SCIO wishes to appoint a Centre Development Co-ordinator to develop the work of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre in the local community.

Background

You will have a deep understanding and passion for the development and growth of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and our community, bringing energy and passion to the role.

You are a problem solver whose attention to detail is as strong as your appreciation of the bigger picture. With great communication skills you will be able to interact with a variety of stakeholders whilst continually prioritising centre needs with wider organisational objectives.

The Centre currently hosts a wide variety of activities, and we strive to support the health and wellbeing of all members of our community regardless of race, gender, ability, background, beliefs or orientation. The Drylaw Telford Community Organisation Management Committee is keen to continue development and support of the community-based activities within the Centre’s facilities.

The Centre is based in a purpose-built building in extensive grounds and has a well-appointed kitchen, a small and medium sized meeting room, a creche area as well as a large hall. The post holder will advise the Management Committee and work with existing stakeholders, service providers and the community to develop current and new projects which will benefit the locality and, most importantly, galvanise a sense of joint purpose and shared community.

Responsibilities

The Centre Development Co-ordinator will be expected to

1. Familiarise themselves with groups and activities currently taking place in the Centre and offer support to groups/group leaders as required and where appropriate.
2. Line manage some staff and volunteers
3. Develop local groups, events, and activities which further the Centre’s vision and work alongside the Management Committee to agree classes and events operating in the building.
4. Work collaboratively with the management committee and in partnership with Centre based employees with the aim of promoting the smooth running of the Centre’s activities. Provide key-holding responsibility periodically (subject to Management Committee approval)
5. Work with the Management Committee to identify/deliver fundraising activities, such as researching potential sponsors and funders, developing fundraising events, and writing proposals to potential sources of funds.
6. Develop outreach work to deliver our inclusive goals and engagement remits through networking and open dialogue across and between current centre users, local neighbourhood and the wider diverse communities.
7. Develop use of the building’s spaces to attract commercial lets, to raise the profile of the Centre and create both income and resources to support community projects.
8. Represent the Centre at local events to promote the Centre’s contribution to the locality.

Contractual arrangements

1. This is an initial 2 year contract focussing on specific project goals.
2. The hours are 20 per week, salary £29500. Working pattern to be agreed between the committee and the successful candidate(s). Working-time should be appropriately logged.
3. Applicants should be educated to degree-level or equivalent in a professional discipline.
4. The post-holder will be directly responsible to the Management Committee Chair (or other named Committee member). A regular report should be provided to the monthly Management Committee. Any short period of leave must be arranged and agreed in advance.
5. Office facilities will be provided in the Centre.
6. The SCIO is an equal opportunity employer and is guided by the City of Edinburgh Equality and Diversity Framework.

The successful candidate must have

1. Demonstrable experience of working in partnership settings with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to; Community Councils, Local Community Planning Partnerships, Tenants and Residents organisations, Community Centre Management Committees, statutory agencies and voluntary sector partners.
2. Demonstrable experience in the development and leading of multi-agency groups in a partnership setting with particular emphasis on collaboration, consistency, coordination, and public engagement.
3. Demonstrable experience in community engagement and capacity building.
4. Demonstrable experience in supporting/enabling community involvement/influence, in the decision-making processes associated with the development of Centre based and community development programmes.
5. Demonstrated ability to communicate, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels whilst maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations.
6. Excellent problem-solving skills including interpretation of policy and guidance in a range of situations and the ability to provide creative solutions to problems that may arise with a range of partners, stakeholders, and funders.
7. Ability to work flexible hours including occasional weekend work.

Qualifications and training

Qualified to degree level or equivalent in a relevant professional discipline. In exceptional cases this requirement may be satisfied through relevant experience and demonstrated competence.

Responsible for Identifying and attracting older people to DNC to take part in activities and develop opportunities for older people.

What makes us who we are Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre is a charity based in Drylaw, Edinburgh. We run projects that build people’s confidence and help them to achieve positive changes within their community. Currently we run Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, a supported community gardening scheme, and several community groups and a youth work programme.

Our charitable aims and objectives are:

• to develop the capacity and skills of people living in socially and economically disadvantaged areas in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to create active, flourishing communities

and

• to run a community centre, primarily for the benefit of the Drylaw, Telford and other communities in North Edinburgh.

What a Social Link Worker does

You will run at least four new older people’s groups per week and ensure people are not socially isolated and can socialise in the warmth and safety of DNC for circa 12 hours per week. You will also recruit volunteers to contribute to the running of these groups and encourage older community members to make connections and friendships in the community. These groups will offer a warm meal, a warm and welcoming space and provide opportunities for older people to access support and advice services.

You are a problem solver whose attention to detail is as strong as your appreciation of the bigger picture. With great communication skills you will be able to interact with a variety of stakeholders whilst continually prioritising centre needs with wider organisational objectives.

To discuss this post please contact Jason Whitefield - info@drylawnc.org.uk, or call 07305 097 731.