Club Manager

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 3500
members. Its purpose is to advance the study and appreciation of birds in Scotland by promoting
their documentation, promoting interest in them, promoting their conservation, providing a
focus for information about them and encouraging the appreciation of relevant creative arts.

The Club’s headquarters, which also feature a renowned ornithology library, wildlife art
gallery and sales outlet, are in Aberlady, East Lothian. Fifteen nationwide Branches are led by
members who organise events, outings and projects in their areas. Staff contribute a national
series of events, conferences and training activities for members of all ages. Publications
include the highly regarded quarterly journal Scottish Birds, mobile app (Where to
Watch 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 small
team of staff, volunteers, an annual turnover of about £350,000 and assets which include built
property (HQ). They will champion and drive forward the Club’s vision and goals. There will be
emphasis on strong leadership to manage and support staff, volunteers and trustees; ensuring
the highest standard of services to members; planning and reporting on the annual programme of
Club-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 all
  aspects of the Club’s delivery of services and support to its members, in line with its status
  and responsibilities as a SCIO.
• To liaise and work closely with the SOC’s Council and committees in their work, regularly
  reporting 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 direction
  for volunteers and contract workers as appropriate. Includes staff work plans and annual
  appraisals, oversight of all HR functions and support of staff in line with good professional
  practice.
• Ensure the legal requirements of the SCIO are met, including preparation and submission of
  an 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, and
  the 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, in
  line with external and internal policy and Risk Register needs. Ensure regular review of
  policies, advising Management Committee and ensuring awareness of them wherever necessary among
  Council and Committee members, staff, contractors and volunteer leaders.
• Work with the Office Manager to ensure compliance with all necessary measures for the
  maintenance 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, including
  its 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 office
  bearers and Council.
• Contribute to the Club’s approach to national Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policies
  and Net Zero targets.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate may be expected to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the needs and responsibilities of charities and volunteer-led
  membership 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.
• Event (e.g. conference) management skills.
• Confidence with IT systems, including proficiency with Microsoft Office 365. Experience of
  CRM software would be advantageous.
• A general understanding of priorities for ornithology in Scotland.

If you wish to discuss any aspects of this vacancy, please contact either the Club
Administrator, Wendy Hicks ([email protected]), or
SOC President Ruth Briggs ([email protected]).

Applications comprising CV and covering letter and indicating how you meet the criteria listed
in the person specification above should be submitted to [email protected]. As we wish to make an
appointment as soon as possible, we will be conducting interviews as and when we receive good applications.