Vacancy: Director of Programme

Role

Job title: Director of Programme (Grade 7)

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent

Salary: From £55,000 per annum

Location: The post is a hybrid role with regular attendance at Scottish Book Trust office in Edinburgh required

Closing date: 22 June 2025, 23.59

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Employee pension contribution of 5% per annum
• Possibility of flexible working
• Life assurance scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme

About the job

Download the recruitment pack

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with SMT colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of SBT’s strategic business plan, developing organisational practices and ensuring policy compliance
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and networks to support the strategic development and growth of SBT programmes
• Negotiate with key funders including Scottish Government to secure programme funding
• Lead and line manage the programme Heads of Teams to achieve agreed objectives, manage and support their teams effectively, and perform in accordance with SBT’s Values
• Lead on the strategic direction of SBT programmes working closely with their Heads of Teams to set outcomes and develop content
• Support programme Heads of Teams to set and manage programme budgets.
• Lead the Programme Management Team to promote collaborative working and deliver effective communications and decision-making processes across the organisation
• Support their Heads of Teams to apply up-to-date research and policy developments to their programme content and practice
• Oversee the effective implementation of Scottish Book Trust’s Theory of Change, impact and reflection evaluation processes to all programmes, and drive continuous improvement
• Create effective reports, for internal and external use, which demonstrate the effectiveness of SBT’s work, including reporting to the SBT Board
• Support the Fundraising Manager, as required, to prepare major funding bids and applications
• Attend sector conferences, forums and groups, presenting as required, and act as an ambassador for SBT’s work and strategic aims
• Actively manage own professional development, seeking out opportunities for learning and growth and acting as a role model for the charity’s values in action

Knowledge, skills and experience

You will have:

• At least 5 years’ experience at a senior level in programme development and management
• Evidence of high-level strategic and creative thinking
• Experience of working with a Board, reporting on performance, and developing policy and strategy
• An in-depth knowledge of arts, educational and cultural policy, and its political context, at local and national level
• Sound knowledge of current theory and practice in literacy and education and related social issues
• Experience of delivering innovation and change and engaging staff in a culture of creative excellence and continuous improvement
• Experience of managing and reporting on substantial budgets
• Excellent negotiating, influencing, and relationship-building skills, showing evidence of successful engagement with high-level external stakeholders
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with experience of presenting at high-profile external events and conferences
• Well-developed planning and project management skills with the ability to manage complex programmes with multiple competing priorities and deadlines
• Considerable team leadership, line management and people development experience with proven ability to inspire, motivate and coach staff performance
• Educated to degree level

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, and from time to time travel elsewhere in the UK, including overnight stays. A full, clean UK driving licence and confident, experienced driving skills are desirable
• Appointment will be conditional on securing a Level 1 disclosure from Disclosure Scotland
• Flexible working options are available

How to apply

Step 1: Download and complete our two-part application form

Complete both documents and upload them by the specified closing date/time via the vacancy page(this link will open in a new window).

CVs and/or content suspected to be AI-generated will not be accepted. Please refer to the job description when completing your Application Part B Personal Statement.

We are committed to maintaining strict confidentiality in handling applicant information and ensuring a fair, inclusive recruitment process that upholds equality and diversity for all candidates. The application form is split into two sections. Only Application Part B Personal Statement will be shared with the recruiting panel. Any identifying details that could create an unconscious bias will be redacted.

Data protection notice: Scottish Book Trust will use this information solely for the intended reason it was gathered. Please refer to the Privacy Notice for Applicants for further details. We do not accept CVs. To apply for this role, please complete our two-part application form, uploading your forms as PDFs if possible.

Download Application Part A Sections 1 and 2

Download Application Part B Personal Statement

Step 2: Upload your completed forms to our recruitment portal

Ready to submit your forms? Click the button below and complete these steps.

1. Add your contact information

2. Click 'next' when you are ready to upload your documents

3. Add your title to the document page

4. Upload (or drag and drop) the files and click 'Upload' after each document

5. When both documents are uploaded, submit your application

(this link will open in a new window)Upload your application forms

If you have any difficulties applying or queries regarding this post, you can request support by emailing [email protected](this link will open in a new window).

You can find more information about our organisation and our values.