We have an exciting opportunity for a Development Manager to join our Argyll and the Islands area team in Lochgilphead.

Reporting directly to the Head of Strengthening Communities, in this key role you will contribute to the development of a vibrant and sustainable social enterprise sector in Argyll and the Islands.

As a key member of the Argyll and the Islands area team you’ll:

1. Support on the development of a number of key projects within the Argyll and the islands area
2. Develop strong relationships with clients and gain an understanding of strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, to enable HIE to support clients in a rounded and agile manner
3. Contribute towards HIE’s place-based approach by encouraging clients and partners to consider where their projects and initiatives add value and complement other activity, proposed or underway, within the community
4. Assess and review development proposals
5. Engage with partner organisations from the public, private, and Third sector
6. Develop an awareness of other key funders and help identify funding opportunities, both regional and national
7. Work closely with area team and other HIE colleagues, and represent HIE at internal and external meetings as required

The person

A good knowledge of local social enterprise and community activity is essential. You will also possess strong financial and project appraisal skills as well as being able to establish and develop effective working relationships.

Experience of supporting social enterprise growth activity is desirable.

We’re looking for a proactive and ambitious Development Manager to join our Community Assets Team and work with our pan-Scotland team of advisers, supporting communities to help them buy land or buildings that are important to them.

The post-holder will actively engage with community groups across Lochaber, Skye, and Wester Ross area, as well as other areas should there be a need.

As a key member of the Community Assets Team you’ll:

1. Adopt a customer-focused approach that is both responsive and proactive, ensuring high standards of customer care
2. Provide support, guidance, and advice to a variety of groups involved in community asset acquisition, management, and development
3. Contribute to HIE’s delivery of the Scottish Land Fund, and other community development contracts
4. Work with key partners in the delivery of the Scottish Land Fund, in particular The National Lottery Community Fund and The Scottish Government
5. Develop and maintain knowledge of key policy/legislation relevant to the sector, and funding/loan opportunities
6. 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
7. Work effectively as part of a team unit, engaging actively and effectively with colleagues in a range of geographic locations
8. Liaise closely with colleagues in area offices to ensure effective regional delivery of HIE’s community asset objectives
9. Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the community asset owning sector
10. Undertake specific tasks to support the continued development of the community asset owning sector, including new areas of activity and new asset types

The person

A good knowledge of local social enterprise and community activity is essential.

You’ll also have strong financial, report writing, and analytical skills, as well as being able to establish and develop effective working relationships with partner organisations, communities, and internal colleagues.

We are looking for a proactive and ambitious adviser to support HIE’s work in the delivery of the Scottish Land Fund.

As part of this job you’ll:

• provide advice and guidance to community-led organisations seeking to acquire land and buildings within their communities
• engage effectively with community groups, assisting them at all stages of project development and planning through to asset ownership
• 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
• Support a number of projects across central Scotland including Lanarkshire, Dunbartonshire, Clackmannanshire, and Falkirk as well as other areas when required
• evaluate Scottish Land Fund referrals and follow up on any actions required to ensure alignment with the wider programme outcomes
• raise awareness of the funding opportunities available from the Scottish Land Fund and other national programmes delivered by HIE and partners
• work closely with other advisers, colleagues across HIE, and a range of external partners including local agencies and community networks

The person

It’s essential that you are an experienced and proactive team player with a proven track record in community-led development and asset acquisition projects.

You’ll also have strong technical skills, particularly in the project management of a diverse range of community-led projects. 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.

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.