At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate community engagement and support the Bookbug programme to tackle child poverty.
- Company: Join Scottish Book Trust, a charity transforming lives through reading and writing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and support families through engaging literacy initiatives.
- Qualifications: Passion for community engagement and experience in project coordination.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position Overview: Early Years Project Co‑ordinator (Community Engagement) – a full‑time, fixed‑term role within Scottish Book Trust's Early Years Team.
Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes books, reading, and writing have the power to change lives, improve employment opportunities, mental health and wellbeing, and help break the poverty cycle. The Early Years (EY) team delivers Bookbug, an evidence‑based programme that promotes parent‑child bonding, supports children’s language and communication skills, and fosters social, emotional and cognitive development through reading, singing and rhyming. Key elements of Bookbug include universal book gifting at four stages, free story, song and rhyme Bookbug Sessions, Bookbug for the Home, community engagement, the Bookbug app, and professional learning opportunities for those working with children in early years.
What We Offer:
- Full time, fixed‑term role
- Competitive salary
- Flexible hybrid working between home and our Edinburgh City Centre Office, with excellent train, bus and tram access
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Company sick pay
- Pension with 5% employer contributions
- Death in service benefit
- Free access to an employee assistance programme
- Flexible working options are available
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the delivery of the implementation of the Tackling Child Poverty Action Plan 2026 through the expansion of the Bookbug programme, working with families, practitioners and partners across Scotland.
- Coordinate key aspects of planning and logistics of family resources, application and allocation processes, stakeholder liaison and evaluation activity.
- Build and maintain relationships with practitioners, communities and external partners to support engagement and participation, and contribute to communications that highlight Bookbug’s impact on tackling child poverty and supporting family learning.
- Support wider Bookbug priorities, including Bookbug for the Home and the development of adult literacy support.
Qualifications and Conditions:
- Appointment will be conditional on securing a Level 1 clearance from Disclosure Scotland.
- The role involves occasional travel within Scotland and may require work outside normal office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Reason for fixed‑term contract: the position is funded in connection with the implementation of the Tackling Child Poverty Action Plan 2026.
- Hybrid role with regular attendance at Scottish Book Trust offices in Edinburgh.
Early Years Project Co-ordinator (Community Engagement) employer: Scottish Book Trust
Scottish Book Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through literacy and engagement. With a flexible hybrid working model based in the vibrant Edinburgh City Centre, employees enjoy generous holiday entitlements, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to vital initiatives that tackle child poverty and enhance family learning. Join us to be part of a passionate team that believes in the transformative power of books and reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Project Co-ordinator (Community Engagement)
✨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 Scottish Book Trust.
✨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 Scottish Book Trust.
✨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 Scottish Book Trust.
✨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 Scottish Book Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Project Co-ordinator (Community Engagement)
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 Scottish Book Trust. 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 Early Years Project Co-ordinator (Community Engagement), 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 Scottish Book Trust
✨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 Scottish Book Trust. 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!
