Our aim at Thurso Community Development Trust is not only to develop facilities, services and activities for the community, we also want to develop people. As an employer we take that very seriously and work with those we employ to develop and reach their potential. Community development is hard work but it is also very rewarding work. No two days are ever the same, we get to be creative, think in different ways to solve issues in the community and have a huge variety of work to do.

We offer all who come to work for us development and training opportunities, are Living Wage accredited, generous holidays and flexible working with a combination of home and office work. We have all sorts of policies for our employes but to us they are not just bits of paper, we actively encourage you to have a healthy work/life balance with our Mental Health & Wellbeing policies. We work hard but we also understand that life happens and want to support anyone who comes to work for us. We’re trying something really different here with our organisation in our area so we are different as an employer.

Below you can find our recruitment policy and our current vacancies if we have them, we do not accept speculative CV’s, all of our opportunities will be advertised here.

Job Title : Development Manager 

(3 yr post with opportunity to continue dependent on funding)

Location : Town Centre Office, Rotterdam Street, Thurso

(Flexible/Hybrid working possible)

Salary : £ 32-35k pa based on experience

Hours : Full time

Application Deadline : 17 January 2025

About us:

Thurso Community Development Trust is a registered charity formed in 2018 and is committed to improving the wellbeing and development of the local community of Thurso.  Our projects are developed with the local community through communication and consultation.

We are in the final stages of a Community Consultation and development of a new 3 year Strategy.  We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Development Manager to drive forward the proposals brought to light in the Consultation. This will be a combination of sustaining existing projects and developing new projects.  

Current projects include: The Greenhouses and Community Garden, the Harbour Toilets, Sharing Shed and Community support, Community Christmas Dinner, and a monthly Lunch Club for Older Adults.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of  Thurso Community Development Trust for the benefit of the community.

Role overview :

As the Development Manager you will be responsible for overseeing and implementing  a variety of community based projects. You will work closely with staff, stakeholders, volunteers and the wider community to ensure that projects align with the strategic goals identified through our consultation and deliver lasting benefits for Thurso. The role will involve everything from project planning and funding applications to team leadership and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage a portfolio of existing  community projects , identify and develop new projects from initiation through to completion.

  • Identify and apply for funding opportunities to support new and ongoing projects

  • Oversee and manage staff ensuring clear communication and effective teamwork.

  • Ensure that all projects are effectively  monitored and evaluated, ensuring outcomes are met on time and within budget.

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with community groups, local stakeholders, funders, partners and local authority.

  • Prepare reports and updates for Board of Trustees and Funders

  • Work closely with the Board of Trustees to align projects and new developments with the overall strategy of the Trust.

What we are looking for:

  • Proven experience in Community Development or a related field

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and build collaborative relationships

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for preparing funding applications and reports

  • Experience with fundraising, budget management and financial oversight

  • A strong understanding of community development challenges and opportunities in rural or remote areas.

  • Knowledge and previous experience of the third sector is highly desirable.

 Why Join Us?

Make a difference by being a key player in shaping the future of Thurso’s community through sustainable development project.

The flexible and hybrid working options are available to support your personal and professional needs whilst giving real opportunities for professional development.

And finally the opportunity to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to making areal difference to the local community.

How to apply:

To request an application pack or for more information e-mail info @thursocdt.co.uk.

Please submit your application by 17 January 2025

Finance and Administration Officer

Location: Town Centre Office, Rotterdam Street, Thurso

(flexible working possible)

Salary:  £14.00 per hour plus pension

Hours: 37.5 per week

Application Deadline: 10 January 2025

About Us:

Thurso Community Development Trust is  a registered charity formed in 2018 and is committed to improving the wellbeing and development of the local community. Our projects are developed with the local community through  ongoing communication and consultation. Current projects include: The Greenhouses and Community Garden, the Harbour Toilets, Sharing Shed and Community support, Community Christmas Dinner, and a monthly Lunch Club for Older Adults.

We are looking for an experienced Finance and Administration Officer to join our team and is the ideal opportunity to contribute to the growth and sustainability of our community based projects.

Role Overview :

The Finance and Administration Officer has a key role to play in ensuring the smooth and efficient financial management and administration of Thurso Community Development Trust. You will work closely with our team of staff and volunteers to support our operations with the opportunity to shape the future growth of the organisation and the role.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage the day to day financial operations , including bookkeeping, invoicing and payroll using accountancy software in line with charitable accounts standards

  • Prepare monthly financial reports and maintain accurate financial records

  • Oversee the administration of contracts . grants and community projects

  • Support general office administration tasks including managing correspondence and maintaining office supplies

  • Manage social media and website

  • Collaborate with wider team to ensure compliance with financial and H&S policies and procedures.

  • Assist with annual budgeting and financial planning

What we are looking for:

  • Proven experience with accountancy software (eg  Xero, Sage or similar)

  • Strong skills in Microsoft Office , especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Sharepoint

  • Experience of cash handling, recording takings and banking

  • Experience of project management tools eg Monday

  • Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with our team of staff and volunteers

  • Experience in the third sector or community development is a plus but not essential

 Why join us:

This is an opportunity to join a committed team and contribute to the development and wellbeing of our local community. There is an opportunity for some flexible hours throughout the working week, and you will have the benefits of working alongside a dedicated team of staff and the most amazing volunteers.

 How to apply:

To request an application pack or for more information, e-mail  info@thursocdt.co.uk .

Applications should be submitted by 10 January 2025