At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community economic growth and develop impactful projects for Lesmahagow.
- Company: Lesmahagow Development Trust, a forward-thinking organisation focused on community-led initiatives.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of the community and drive meaningful change.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during a transformative period for the community.
- Why this job: Be a strategic catalyst for community aspirations and secure investment for ambitious projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development and project management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lesmahagow Development Trust is entering a landmark three-year period of growth. Supported by the Scottish Government’s Strengthening Communities Programme, we are moving beyond traditional grant‑funded delivery toward a model of long‑term economic independence and community‑led infrastructure. We are seeking a visionary Community Economic Development Lead to architect the long‑term growth of Lesmahagow. You will act as a strategic catalyst, transforming community aspirations into a robust economic development plan and securing the high‑level investment required to deliver ambitious, large‑scale infrastructure and resilience projects.
You will lead the creation of a Community Economic Development Plan, identifying high‑impact capital projects and bringing them to life.
Key Deliverables- Strategy development: author and drive the "Lesmahagow Economic Development Plan," identifying high‑impact opportunities for promoting economic growth and participation in the local area, or to promote community wealth building.
- Project management: lead the "options appraisal" and feasibility stages for ambitious community economic projects.
- Stakeholder engagement: act as the primary interface between the Trust and regional/national bodies and facilitate high‑level community and business engagement to ensure that development projects reflect local needs and enjoy broad public support.
- Impact monitoring: establish frameworks to measure the social and economic step‑change achieved through Trust activities, providing data for the Board and SCP funders.
- Strategic leadership: proven experience in designing or leading local economic development, regeneration, or community planning initiatives.
- Project catalysis: a track record of taking complex projects from initial concept through to business case or funding‑ready status.
- Political & professional acumen: experience in managing partnerships across the public and private sectors, with the ability to influence decision‑makers.
- Autonomy: ability to work with minimal supervision, setting one's own milestones and providing high‑level strategic advice to the Board of Trustees.
- Advanced communication: exceptional ability to translate complex strategic goals into compelling narratives for grant applications and public consultations.
- Regional knowledge: existing networks within the South Lanarkshire economic landscape or the Scottish Third Sector.
- Capital funding expertise: success in securing significant capital grants (e.g., Scottish Land Fund, RCGF).
- Data literacy: proficiency in interpreting socio‑economic data to justify strategic interventions.
Community Economic Development Lead in Hamilton employer: Lesmahagow Development Trust
Lesmahagow Development Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative community projects in a supportive and growth-oriented environment. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the economic future of Lesmahagow while enjoying the benefits of working within a dynamic team dedicated to community empowerment and resilience.
Contact Details:
Lesmahagow Development Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Economic Development Lead in Hamilton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your vision for economic development in Lesmahagow.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your strategic thinking! When you meet potential partners or stakeholders, be ready to discuss your ideas for the Community Economic Development Plan. Bring along some examples of high-impact projects you've worked on before.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in seeking feedback! After presenting your ideas, ask for input from others. This not only helps refine your plans but also shows that you value collaboration and community input.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application and hear your unique perspective on driving economic growth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact in Lesmahagow!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Economic Development Lead in Hamilton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at Lesmahagow Development Trust. Tailor your application to reflect our mission and values, showing how your vision aligns with our goals for community-led growth.
Be Specific and Strategic:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects you've led or contributed to that demonstrate your strategic leadership skills. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've turned community aspirations into actionable plans, just like we aim to do.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Remember, we value advanced communication skills! Make sure your application is clear and compelling. Use engaging narratives to explain complex ideas, as this will resonate well with our Board and stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead community economic development in Lesmahagow!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lesmahagow Development Trust
✨Know Your Community Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the local economic landscape of Lesmahagow. Familiarise yourself with current projects, community needs, and any existing networks. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with the Trust's goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led economic development initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you identified opportunities and drove projects from concept to execution. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the 'Lesmahagow Economic Development Plan'.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach stakeholder engagement in this role. Prepare to discuss strategies for building relationships with local businesses and community members. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve successfully navigated partnerships across different sectors.
✨Communicate with Clarity
Practice translating complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. Whether it’s discussing funding applications or community consultations, being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider preparing a brief pitch that outlines your vision for the community's economic development.
