Project Development Officer

This post is generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through Stage 1 Development funding until May 2025. Owing to the retirement of the incumbent, Leanchoil Trust is recruiting a Project Development Officer to support the Trust’s aims to complete the CAT, develop a sustainable business model for the Leanchoil Centre and other assets on site, and contribute to the capital funding strategy for restoring the listed hospital building. This exciting and important role is pivotal to project success.

This post is offered as a 12-month self-employed contract from 1 May 2025 (to be confirmed)

Home/Site Based: Home Based

Days: Full-time equivalent

Budget: £35,000 per annum

Responsible to: The Board of Trustees of Leanchoil Trust through the Chair or nominated Trustee with delegated authority.

Role Description

The post holder will be the project lead responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting the Growing Wellbeing from Heritage project. As the first point of contact, you will engage with stakeholders from all levels within organisations from the statutory, private, and 3rd sectors. You will foster good relations with the community, community groups, and future users of the Leanchoil Centre to help make the broader Leanchoil project successful.

You will develop a sustainable business model for the Leanchoil Centre based on community needs and aspirations and identify innovative opportunities to feed into this to secure the site’s sustainability while being mindful of the importance of the heritage and community attachment to Leanchoil.

Building on development work already undertaken you will be responsible for leading capital and development funding strategy to secure and promote the future of Leanchoil’s historic buildings and site.

You will be accountable to the Leanchoil Trustees, working closely with them, the PCT, the Communications Officer, the Finance/Admin Officer, partners, consultants, community groups, the community, and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Work with the PCT to manage and complete the Stage 1 NLHF “Growing Wellbeing from Heritage” development phase project.

  • Work closely with the PCT to produce and submit the Stage 2 NLHF.

  • Work with the Finance/Admin Officer to manage the NLHF project budget including all related paperwork (e.g., time recording for contributing parties, training records, etc).

  • Work with consultants appointed to deliver key aspects of the project as required.

  • Lead the delivery of the Trust’s development and capital fundraising strategy, focusing on supporting major funding applications.

  • Develop a sustainable business model for Leanchoil Trust, including the Leanchoil Centre, other on-site buildings, grounds, and woodland (identifying new opportunities, forming and securing service delivery partnerships, understanding the target audiences, market opportunities, and outreach channels).

  • Represent the Trust on relevant groups and forums to progress the development of the business model.

  • Work with the Communications Officer to ensure strong community support by building on existing consultation and community engagement work.

  • Manage the day-to-day administration of the Trust including oversight of the work of the Finance/Admin. and Communications Officers.

  • Act as the Single Point of Contact for funders and partners.

  • Provide regular progress reports to the Board of Trustees.

  • Support trustees as required.

The Person

You will be a locally based, proactive, organised, highly motivated self-starter with good problem-solving skills and responsive to changing circumstances. You will have a keen interest in heritage and heritage regeneration projects.

Personal Attributes

  • Strong and effective networker; able to relate well to people at all levels.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong audience and team relationships.
  • Excellent organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to take initiative and work without close supervision.
  • Flexible and responsive to dynamic and changing circumstances.

Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Demonstratable project management experience.
  • Experience working on a regeneration project.
  • Experience in developing and managing large funding applications.
  • Evidence of successful partnership working and community engagement.
  • Experience in business development.

Desirable

  • Familiarity with Leanchoil and its heritage.
  • Familiarity with the Forres and wider Moray area.
  • Interest in heritage and heritage building projects.
  • Experience working with statutory, heritage and health and social care sectors.
  • Experience working with a range of community cohorts, including veterans.
  • Experience in organising appropriate heritage and cultural activities and events.

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