INTRODUCTION:
Established in 1936 and one of Scotland’s leading wildlife bodies, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) 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.
HOURS:
22.5 hours per week (flexibly over 3 days, with at least one day overlapping the Development Manager)
CONTRACT:
Fixed-term, 24 months from start date
SALARY:
£13.20–£13.74 per hour (depending on experience) (equivalent to approx. £15,444–£16,073 per annum pro rata)
LOCATION:
Hybrid working, with presence at Waterston House (Aberlady) and occasional travel to events
START DATE:
As soon as possible in 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
July 9, 2025 at 5pm
The SOC is seeking a motivated and organised individual to join our team as Assistant Development Officer (ADO). This new post has been created to enhance the Club’s delivery of key programmes and provide vital support to our Development Manager across several cross-cutting areas of activity. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful youth and community engagement work, and to help shape the future of Scotland’s birding community. The post will be line managed by the Development Manager.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
This post will take a lead on several high-impact programmes and provide broader development and administrative support to the SOC. The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Coordinating the Scottish Bird Camp, SOC’s flagship youth initiative, and contributing to the development of a new schools-based outreach programme targeting underrepresented young people in Scotland.
- Managing the Club’s Winter Talks Programme, working with speakers and SOC branches to deliver a diverse and inspiring programme of 80+ talks annually.
- Supporting the Club’s branch network, assisting with volunteer communications, outreach activities, and local development projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan and deliver the annual Scottish Bird Camp, liaising with partners, staff, and young participants.
- Oversee the development and production of the SOC’s Winter Talks Programme in collaboration with branch volunteers and external speakers.
- Provide administrative and practical support to the Development Manager, branches, and other staff involved in delivering development projects.
- Maintain regular communication with volunteers, speakers, and external partners to ensure a coordinated and professional approach.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Proven experience in event planning and coordination, preferably including cyclical or multi-stakeholder events.
- Demonstrated experience working with young people in a supportive, inclusive, and safe manner.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with a confident and professional approach to stakeholder engagement.
- A solid understanding of safeguarding practices and willingness to undertake training as required.
- Ability to work independently while also being a collaborative and supportive team member.
- Confidence using digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Zoom, and Canva.
- A strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and engaging underrepresented communities.
- Well-established contacts in the ornithological and/or wider natural history community, enabling effective speaker recruitment and broadening the reach of SOC’s Winter Talks Programme.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
- Experience delivering youth-focused environmental or conservation programmes.
Knowledge or strong interest in birds, ornithology, or natural history. - Familiarity with SOC’s structure and branch network.
- Experience with social media and digital communications for outreach and event promotion.
- Experience using project or event management software and/or CRM systems.
WHY JOIN US?
You’ll be part of a passionate and knowledgeable team working at the heart of Scottish ornithology. This role offers flexible working, the chance to make a lasting impact on youth and community engagement, and an opportunity to shape national programmes that connect people with birds and nature. To learn more about the Club and our work, please visit www.the-soc.org.uk.
TO APPLY:
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role to recruitment@the-soc.org.uk. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 21 July 2025.
For informal enquiries, please contact Jane Allison development@the-soc.org.uk.
Waterston House © June Scott
