Youth & Community Coordinator - Glasgow

Youth & Community Coordinator at Pinkston Watersports

Role: Youth and Community Coordinator

Full Time: 37.5 hours per week, flexible across 7 days. Permanent contract.

Location: Glasgow G4 9XP, site based with some outreach / community working. No homeworking required.

Annual Leave: 28 days annual leave, plus progressive leave policy.

About Pinkston Watersports

Glasgow Watersports operates Pinkston Watersports in Port Dundas, a unique self-sustaining charity and urban community sports hub located close to the city centre. Pinkston is home to Scotland’s only artificial white-water course alongside a large clean water canal basin and was a legacy project of the Commonwealth Games 2014.

We deliver a diverse and dynamic programme of activity: from public sessions and school engagement to community programmes, paddlesport development, and national-level training for rescue services. We are open year-round and are driven by a clear purpose to build stronger communities through activity, opportunity, and connection.

Our delivery is structured across four key business areas: school and community programmes, public weekend activity delivery, venue hire for kayak clubs and rescue services, and secure storage hire.

You’ll be someone who thrives in an active environment, enjoys working with diverse groups, and is motivated to make a real impact through outdoor activity and community engagement.

Role Purpose

You will work closely with the Activities Manager to develop and deliver a high-quality, inclusive programme of services, ranging from fun sessions for Scouts, Guides and other community groups to structured, school accredited programmes. You’ll immerse yourself in our youth clubs and local projects, gaining a strong understanding of the communities we serve, the challenges they face, and the diversity they represent, while building on and enhancing our existing offer. You will also dive in and deliver on some youth-led sessions.

A key part of the role will involve developing and maintaining a strong network of schools, youth organisations and community contacts, actively promoting the opportunities available at Pinkston. You will spend significant time building relationships, coordinating visits, and engaging with local groups.

There will also be opportunities to contribute to grant funding applications, making this a desirable skill.

Based in the north of Glasgow, Pinkston is uniquely positioned to support communities experiencing higher levels of disadvantage, including challenges around educational attainment, health and wellbeing, and aspiration. We are looking for someone who can inspire, connect and communicate effectively creating an environment built on mutual respect and a belief in the benefits of outdoor activity to support a positive, growth mindset.

Experience in youth work is essential, alongside strong organisational skills, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects. Good IT skills and effective planning will support robust monitoring and evaluation across all programmes.

We are looking for a highly motivated, optimistic individual who is ready to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Work within the framework of our youthwork strategy – and get involved! Delivering and supporting the delivery of paddlesport activities
• Contribute to the development of youth awards and accreditation pathways (e.g. ASDAN and similar frameworks)
• Apply youth work principles to support the personal, social and emotional development of young people
• Maintain and continue to build a strong network of schools, youth organisations, and community partners
• Shape and adapt programmes to better support local needs, inclusion, and long-term engagement
• Take responsibility for key programmes (e.g. youth initiatives or community projects), ensuring delivery against agreed outcomes
• Support the integration of Curriculum for Excellence (Experiences & Outcomes) within activity delivery
• Work flexibly as part of a small team, contributing to the overall operation of the centre

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Qualified to lead in one or more of the following activities: Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Bushcraft, Archery, or Team Building
• A commitment to working towards qualifications for the activities outlined above
• Safeguarding / Child Protection training
• Full UK driving licence
• Experience working with young people and community programmes
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office 365 and other
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Experience of working in a community setting with local partners
• Leadership and coaching, youthwork qualifications or other relevant experience
• Understanding of the third sector or social enterprise
• Experience in preparing and submitting funding application
• Experience using evaluation and impact data
• Land based activities – Archery, Bushcraft, Team Building
• D1+E Licence

Our Values

• We value the inherent rights of every child - in all that we do is within the UNCRC framework and in our safeguarding practices
• We value Fun – Enjoyment is central to everything we do
• We value Blue & Green Spaces – Supporting health and wellbeing through outdoor environments
• We value Learning through Challenge & Reflection
• We value Community Strength – Building opportunity through partnership & connection
• We value Safe Practice – Safety underpins every experience
• We value Good Stewardship – Responsible use of our resources
• We value Water Safety Training and Competitive Sport

Additional Information

This role reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of Pinkston Watersports. As a small, ambitious, and busy centre, responsibilities will naturally develop over time. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute flexibly, respond positively to new challenges, and play an active role in shaping how we grow and improve.

We are looking for someone who combines energy, attention to detail, a self-starter who takes ownership of their work and manages their time effectively. You will be equally comfortable planning ahead and responding to the immediate needs of the day, stepping in wherever required to ensure the smooth running of the centre. A willingness to get stuck in & support others is required.

This is a hands‑on role where no two days are the same. The right person will take pride in delivering exceptional experiences while helping to shape the future of Pinkston, bringing a positive, proactive approach to both people and programmes.

If you’re passionate about people, community, and purposeful work, we’d love to hear from you.

Reports to Centre Manager.

Equal Opportunities

Pinkston is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding principles. We expect our staff to share our commitment. An offer of employment is subject to PVG and 2 satisfactory references.