Head of Reading Communities

Creative Scotland; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A national charity focused on reading is seeking a Head of Reading Communities in Edinburgh. This full-time role involves leading a team to deliver impactful programmes using reading and storytelling for empowerment. Candidates should have substantial experience in leadership within cultural or educational settings and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Company Sick Pay

Pension with 5% employer contributions

Death in service benefit

Employee assistance programme

Flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading and managing a team in a cultural, educational, or charitable setting.
• Deep knowledge of Scotland's literature, library, and creative education sectors.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of six to deliver impactful programmes across Scotland.
• Oversee flagship programmes, including Book Week Scotland.
• Work with the Senior Management Team to influence policy.
• Build relationships with funders and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Job description

Overview

Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes books, reading and writing have the power to change lives.

Are you a passionate leader with a love for reading?

As the Head of Reading Communities, you will lead a team of six to deliver impactful programmes across Scotland that use reading and storytelling as tools for connection, well-being, and empowerment. You will be responsible for overseeing our flagship programmes, including Book Week Scotland, Reading is Caring, Scotland's Stories and Your Voice, Your Story. This is a strategic role where you will work closely with the Senior Management Team to develop our programmes and influence policy. You''ll also be key in building relationships with funders, partners, and policymakers to help secure funding and create new opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of six to deliver impactful programmes across Scotland that use reading and storytelling as tools for connection, well-being, and empowerment.
• Oversee flagship programmes, including Book Week Scotland, Reading is Caring, Scotland''s Stories and Your Voice, Your Story.
• Work with the Senior Management Team to develop programmes and influence policy.
• Build relationships with funders, partners, and policymakers to secure funding and create new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading and managing a team in a cultural, educational, or charitable setting.
• Deep knowledge of Scotland''s literature, library, and creative education sectors and how they intersect with health and well-being.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

• Full-time, permanent role, 35 hours per week
• Competitive salary: £40,400 (Grade 6)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Company Sick Pay
• Pension with 5% employer contributions
• Death in service benefit
• Free access to employee assistance programme
• Flexible hybrid working between home and our Edinburgh City Centre Office, with great access by train, bus, and tram

Other information

• The post is a hybrid role with regular attendance at Scottish Book Trust offices in Edinburgh.
• The post-holder must be prepared to undertake travel across Scotland, from time-to-time travel elsewhere in the UK, including occasional overnight stays.
• Appointment will be conditional on securing a Level 1 from Disclosure Scotland.

Deadline

The deadline is Monday 13 October 2025 at 23:55.