Assistant Development Officer

Scottish Ornithologists Club; North Berwick; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club seeks an Assistant Development Officer to enhance key programmes and support the Development Manager. This position involves coordinating youth initiatives, managing talks, and engaging with the community for positive environmental impact. The role offers flexible working and a chance to contribute to Scottish ornithology.

Qualifications

• Experience in event planning and coordination.
• Experience working with young people.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Scottish Bird Camp and develop outreach programmes.
• Manage the Winter Talks Programme and liaise with speakers.
• Provide support to the Development Manager and branch network.

Skills

Event planning

Organizational skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Inclusivity

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Zoom

Canva

Job description

Community Development & Social Enterprise

Disability

Equality & Law

Health

Housing & Homelessness

International Development

Learning

Local

Local Infrastructure Organisation

Older People

Other

Social Care

Youth

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• Hybrid:Presence at Waterston House (Aberlady) and occasional travel to events
• Closing9th July 2025
• Advertised from 17th June 2025
• £13.20–£13.74 per hour (depending on experience) (equivalent to approx. £15,444–£16,073 per annum). 22.5 hours per week (flexibly over 3 days, with at least one day overlapping the Development Manager). Fixed-term, 24 months from start date.

Role

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) is seeking a motivated and organised individual to join our team as AssistantDevelopment Officer (ADO). This new post has been created to enhance the Club’s delivery of key programmes andprovide vital support to our Development Manager across several cross-cutting areas of activity. It’s anexciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful youth and community engagement work, and to help shape thefuture 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 administrativesupport to the SOC. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Coordinating the Scottish Bird Camp, SOC’s flagship youth initiative, and contributing to thedevelopment of a new schools-based outreach programme targeting underrepresented young people inScotland.
• Managing the Club’s Winter Talks Programme, working with speakers and SOCbranches to deliver a diverse and inspiring programme of 80+ talks per year.
• Supporting theClub’s branch network, assisting with volunteer communications, outreach activities, and localdevelopment projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver the annual Scottish Bird Camp, liaising with partners, staff, and youngparticipants.
• Oversee the development and production of the SOC’s Winter Talks Programme incollaboration with branch volunteers and external speakers.
• Provide administrative and practical supportto the Development Manager, branches, and other staff involved in delivering developmentprojects.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, speakers, and external partners to ensure acoordinated and professional approach.
• Proven experience in event planning and coordination, preferably including cyclical or multi-stakeholderevents.
• Demonstrated experience working with young people in a supportive, inclusive, and safemanner.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills with the ability to manage competingdeadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a confident and professional approach tostakeholder engagement.
• A solid understanding of safeguarding practices and willingness to undertaketraining as required.
• Ability to work independently while also being a collaborative and supportive teammember.
• Confidence using digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Zoom, andCanva.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and engaging underrepresentedcommunities.
• 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.
• Experience delivering youth-focused environmental or conservation programmes.
• Knowledge or stronginterest in ornithology or natural history.
• Familiarity with SOC’s structure and branchnetwork.
• Experience with social media and digital communications for outreach and eventpromotion.
• 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 offersflexible working, the chance to make a lasting impact on youth and community engagement, and an opportunity toshape national programmes that connect people with birds and nature. To learn more about the Club and our work,please visit the-soc.org.uk .

Application notes

Application Deadline: July 9, 2025 at 5pm

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role [e-mail] . Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 21 July 2025.

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