At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity focused on forestry and manage the annual Awards programme.
- Company: Scotland’s Finest Woods, a respected charity with a growing reputation.
- Benefits: Flexible contract, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of forestry in Scotland while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles and a passion for forestry or charity governance.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 ÂŁ per year.
Scotland’s Finest Woods is seeking an independent consultant or contractor to serve as Executive Director on a Contract for Services basis. This role offers an opportunity to lead an organisation with a strong profile, growing reputation and positive momentum.
Responsibilities
- Ensure successful delivery of the annual Awards programme of the highest quality with efficient use of resources.
- Work closely with trustees, sponsors, supporters, volunteer competition judges and contractors to coordinate Awards logistics and related charity activities.
- Provide strategic leadership in running a small charity in Scotland, including understanding the role of the Company Secretary.
- Apply strong organisational, budget management and communication skills, and demonstrate good planning, time‑management and problem‑solving abilities.
Qualifications
- Forestry background or experience in a related field with an interest in forestry.
- Understanding of charity governance and operations in Scotland.
- Strong organisational, budget, communication, planning, time‑management and problem‑solving skills.
Contract Details
- Duration: 3 years, renewable annually upon satisfactory delivery and funding.
- Time commitment: Approximately 70 days a year, concentrated around peak activity periods.
- Value: £15,000 – £20,000 per annum inclusive of VAT (negotiable).
- Start date: 1 July 2026, with a two‑month overlap for induction and hand‑over.
Trustees
Scotland’s Finest Woods seeks up to three new trustees to strengthen the governance of the charity and support its annual Awards programme.
Requirements | Responsibilities
- Experience in leadership roles, ideally as a trustee or non‑executive.
- Familiarity with charity trustee guidance from OSCR and the SCVO Trustee Network.
- Desirable: Knowledge of woods and forestry, or expertise in communications, fundraising, award categories or related areas.
- Attend two board meetings per year (hybrid, based in Edinburgh or fully online) and contribute to project development and Awards ceremony duties.
- Voluntary position; essential expenses reimbursed.
Application Process
Applications for both roles must be submitted by noon on Friday, 15 May 2026 to Jean Nairn via admin@sfwa.org.uk. Interviews will take place in person or online late May/early June. For further information, contact the current Executive Director at admin@sfwa.co.uk or 07954 847055. Full details can be found at https://www.sfwa.co.uk.
Executive Director / Trustee employer: SCOTLAND'S FINEST WOODS
Contact Detail:
SCOTLAND'S FINEST WOODS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director / Trustee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the forestry and charity sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Executive Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your leadership experience and understanding of charity governance. When you get the chance to chat with potential trustees or sponsors, make sure to flaunt what you’ve got!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to Scotland’s Finest Woods and express your interest in the Executive Director position. A personal touch can go a long way in making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay organised! Keep track of your applications, follow-ups, and any networking contacts. Use tools like StudySmarter to manage your time effectively and ensure you’re always prepared for interviews or meetings.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director / Trustee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role. We want to see how your background in forestry or charity governance makes you the perfect fit for Scotland’s Finest Woods.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Executive Director or Trustee, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your past experiences in leadership roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position. We love seeing examples of problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. Highlight your key achievements without waffling on!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the roles there, making it super easy for you.
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTLAND'S FINEST WOODS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of forestry and charity governance. Familiarise yourself with Scotland’s Finest Woods and their mission, as well as the specifics of the Awards programme. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership abilities, especially in a charity or non-profit context. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams or projects, as this role requires strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The trustees will want to see if you’re a good fit for their team culture. Be authentic and share your passion for forestry and charity work!