Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey (VABS) is a charitable company based in Grantown on Spey whose mission is to support and promote the diverse and busy community and voluntary sector in the area.

VABS is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic person to take over the role of Chief Officer (CO) and work with the team to deliver the work of this key third sector organisation in Badenoch and Strathspey. The Chief Officer will be employed by VABS, report to the VABS Chair and Board of Directors and will have responsibility for managing the small VABS staff team and supporting the volunteer Board.

The Board is looking for a highly motivated and resourceful person with a strong understanding of communities and the third sector, experienced in working with other agencies and enthusiastic to lead VABS into the next exciting phase of the charity’s development.

The post is flexible for hybrid working, but will require at least 1 day per week in the VABS office in Grantown on Spey, plus visits to communities in the Badenoch and Strathspey area most days throughout each working week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities

1. To deliver the VABS work plan as per current contracts and work in partnership with key organisations including Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) and Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), to help support and develop the Third Sector within the Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park.

2. To take forward strategic work resulting from community action planning and capacity building projects in Badenoch & Strathspey.

3. To support and line manage all VABS staff in their work including CPD and appraisals.

4. To develop appropriate business opportunities for the future sustainability of the charity.

5. To provide full support to VABS Chair and Board of Directors, report to the Board and attend all Board meetings.

6. To ensure the company meets the requirements of Companies House and OSCR and is compliant with all relevant up-to-date legislation, including regular reviews of company policies.

7. To promote VABS and Third Sector activity in Badenoch & Strathspey through mainstream and social media.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

Understanding

A broad understanding of:

• The third sector and of the policy, institutional and funding environment in which it operates

• Community Planning and Third Sector Interfaces

Experience and track record

Some experience of:

• staff management

• business development

• financial management

• monitoring and evaluation

• partnership working, confidentiality & equality of opportunity

• sourcing funding

Ability

The ability to:

• work well with a volunteer Board and lead a staff team

• develop and implement strategic and operational plans, as well as individual work plans with clear objectives, timescales and success criteria

• identify and develop business opportunities for organisational growth through the development of new services / the extension of existing services

• produce clear reports that contain sufficient detail to inform decision making

• handle sensitive issues

Skills

Be skilled in:

• oral/written communication

• strategic and collaborative working

• presentation, negotiation and representation

• IT

• Driving licence and daily use of a car (other arrangements will be considered)

DESIRABLE

× Experience of the third sector specifically in Badenoch and Strathspey and Highland

× Knowledge of third sector governance

× Understanding of business contracting and tendering processes

× Experience of resolving conflict and problem solving