Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People)

Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People)

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead initiatives to improve outcomes for children and young people in Edinburgh.
  • Company: Join EVOC, a forward-thinking charity at the heart of Edinburgh's third sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a competitive salary.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative team committed to equality, inclusion, and community impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while driving meaningful change.
  • Qualifications: Experience in delivering impactful services for children and young people is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The postholder will work with colleagues across the organisation to deliver the objectives outlined in EVOC’s five‑year strategic plan. The Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People) will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our work to improve outcomes for children, young people and families across Edinburgh. As a key member of the team, you will lead our Children and Young People workstream, bringing strategic direction, energy and a strong partnership approach to tackling child poverty and driving meaningful change. You will work closely with third sector organisations, public sector partners and communities to ensure their voices influence policy, planning and service delivery. This is a highly collaborative and outward‑facing role, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery across advocacy, capacity building and partnership development.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated professional with a strong track record in working with children, young people and families. You’ll bring:

  • Significant experience of delivering services or programmes that improve outcomes for children and young people
  • A strong understanding of relevant policy and practice, including safeguarding and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
  • The ability to work strategically while delivering practical impact
  • Confidence in building and sustaining partnerships across sectors
  • Experience of supporting or supervising colleagues and contributing to high‑performing teams

You’ll be a natural collaborator, able to bring people together, listen and influence, and create space for innovation and shared learning. Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about making a difference and committed to the values of the third sector.

About us

EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) is a charity that was established in 1868. In July 2025, we published a new strategic plan to guide our work for the next five years. Our purpose is to serve the needs of people and communities across Edinburgh by supporting our members and third sector organisations to be effective and drive the change they need. We work in three areas – advocacy, capacity building and collaboration – underpinned by research and analysis to inform our work to support third sector organisations and the communities they serve. Joining EVOC means being part of a well‑connected, forward‑thinking organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s third sector, with the opportunity to influence systems and create lasting impact for our community.

EVOC is a living wage employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity, inclusion and diversity and welcome applications from members of all communities.

Benefits

  • 26 days of annual leave per year
  • 10 public holidays (6 fixed and 4 floating) per year
  • Pension (6% company contribution)
  • Additional annual leave between Christmas and New Year when the EVOC office closes
  • Hybrid working approach
  • All the equipment you need to work remotely
  • Competitive salary
  • Continued investment in your development to support you in this role
  • The chance to make a real difference to the sector and the city

Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People) employer: Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council

EVOC is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including a hybrid working approach and generous leave, EVOC fosters an environment where innovation thrives and every voice is valued, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals dedicated to driving positive change in the community.

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council

Contact Details:

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People)

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People)

Strategic Leadership
Partnership Development
Advocacy
Capacity Building
Understanding of Safeguarding
Knowledge of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Development Worker (Children & Young People), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!