Senior innovation executive jobs in edinburgh
Harris Hill is proud to be partnering with the Community Land Trust Network to recruit a New Business, Partnerships and Innovation Manager — an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected national charity championing land justice, community ownership and social equity.
About the Role
Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £45,200–£55,200 (depending on skills and experience)
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to become permanent
Working Hours:
· 3 days / 21 hours per week (with reduced duties), or
· 4 days / 28 hours per week
Working pattern negotiable
Location: Remote/home-based
This newly created role will play a pivotal part in expanding the charity’s income and influence. You will:
- Lead on new business development, nurturing existing supporters and securing new partnerships with developers, housing associations, local authorities, funders and other stakeholders.
- Shape and grow their consultancy and service offer, helping reduce reliance on grant funding.
- Support the roll-out of their Growth Lab, working with practitioners and community groups to develop innovative models, products and services for Community Land Trusts.
- Capture insights, impact and learning to strengthen the case for scaling these innovations.
- Work closely with the CEO on funding proposals, partnership development and strategic initiatives.
This role offers variety, influence and the chance to help shape a major area of the charity’s future work. The team operates fully remotely, with a warm, collaborative culture and a strong focus on wellbeing.
About You
They are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in partnerships, business development, philanthropy or account management — and enjoys turning opportunities into long-term relationships.
- Communicates with clarity, confidence and professionalism across sectors including business, charity, local government and community groups.
- Is entrepreneurial, proactive and excited by innovation and co-creation.
- Shares a commitment to social justice, equity and community-led change.
Key Dates
- Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 12th January 2026
How to Apply
Please email Hannah Laking at Harris Hill to request the full job pack, or you can download it directly from this advert. If you’d like to learn more about the role, you’re welcome to book a call with Hannah. Alternatively, you can simply send your CV and supporting statement which must follow the structure outlined in the job pack before the closing date, and Hannah will get in touch.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Recruitment Agency 
21 - 50
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
EduSpots is an innovative, dynamic, and community-orientated UK and Ghanaian registered charity which connects, trains, and equips grassroots voluntary educators (named ‘Catalysts’) to drive community-led change through education spaces named ‘Spots’. Our vision is of a world in which communities unite to create the futures they want to see, through education.
Since 2016, through collaborating with over 400 local voluntary community educators and actors – named ‘Catalysts’ – who take a central leadership role in the development of the network, we have supported 50 communities in creating and running community-led and owned education spaces named ‘Spots’’. Together, we are developing a model for a community-led education space with accompanying network engagement that could have global relevance.
Our Ghana-based team creates collaborative learning opportunities through three leadership programmes for Catalysts which are increasingly facilitated by the EduSpots app: the Ignite, Catalyse and Inspire Mentoring Programmes. These enable the Catalysts to lead EduKidz (early years education), DigLit (digital literacy), EcoSTEM (STEM and environmental education) and Ignite Equity (gender equity) clubs for learners typically aged 3-16, alongside locally designed education projects, reaching over 10,000 learners of all ages annually.
We are in an exciting period of our development, having more than doubled our income, programme breadth and reach in the last two years, with a recent independent evaluation by Expectation State offering further evidence in support of our model’s outcomes. We have been recently selected for two accelerator programmes, who are supporting us as we consider the scaling potential of our model. In the period, we are aiming to double our network reach, bringing an additional 50 Spots into the network.
We won the Tes International Award in 2018 and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022, and we were recently selected as a finalist for the 2023 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize. In 2021, our Founder was a Finalist in the UNESCO-backed $1 million Global Teacher Prize.
We are excited by our future.
About this role
The Global Head of Operations is a new role being introduced in 2026 with the core purpose of strengthening systems, processes and strategic delivery across both EduSpots Global and EduSpots Ghana, offering hands-on support to the CEO and wider staff across a range of areas.
In this senior role, you will work closely alongside the CEO, offering her the advice and skills needed to move EduSpots successfully through a complex period of growth in a challenging fundraising context, enabling more learners and Catalysts to participate in a unique community-led model of education, whilst sharing our practice more widely.
We are looking for an organised and empathetic strategic leader, ideally with strong or developing skills across project management, finance, HR and MEL skills and an ability to work independently in a fast moving work environment.
This role has the potential to grow into a Director of Global Operations or Deputy CEO role in time for outstanding candidates, and carries significant organisation-wide responsibility.
Candidates should hold a genuine passion for educational equity, a strong belief in the power of community-led models to transform lives at scale and a high level of flexibility in a fast-changing yet friendly and playful work environment.
Whilst this role is remote, and open to all global candidates, you will need to have understanding and experience of UK law, accounting and policy development, or a strong appetite to build experience in this area quickly.
Main duties and responsibilities
Systems
- Work with the CEO and staff to proactively strengthen systems and processes across the organisation, including monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks and operations.
- Support the wider team with IT, including general skill development, leading the Google Space system.
- Monitor compliance to organisational policies and lead the quarterly review of the organisational risk register, working with the Ghana Head of Operations.
Finance
- Work with the Finance and Admin Officer to produce monthly and quarterly global management accounts, cash flow analysis and to complete the annual audit.
- Lead the financial planning of the organisation, working with the CEO and the Ghana Head of Operations to create the annual budget.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to strengthen financial systems, processes, and training across the organisation.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to prepare budgets for funding bids as needed.
- Work with the grants team to track grant spending and produce consolidated financial reports (including expenditure from the UK and Ghana) for donors.
- Ensure EduSpots’ new accounting software (QuickBooks) is fully embedded and utilised.
- Oversee bank account management, including payments, checking bank statements, and reviewing bank reconciliations for UK and Ghana.
- Ensure staff payroll (likely to be outsourced) and payments to freelancers / consultants are done accurately and in a timely manner.
HR
- Work alongside the CEO, Head of Operations, Safeguarding and Inclusion Managers and wider staff to develop strategies to sustain and strengthen a high performing and friendly work culture.
- Work across the team to strengthen HR and performance management structures, informed by best practice and legal frameworks.
- Lead the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers in the UK (advertising roles, drafting contracts, contacting referees and completing all filing and administration relating to recruitment).
- Onboard new staff, provide training on policies and procedures, and track key information (leave, appraisals, etc) for UK staff.
- Regularly review and keep the Staff Handbook up to date.
- Depending on skill-set, work with the CEO to lead professional development for staff across the organisation, liaising with trustees and advisory group members.
Administration & Governance
- Manage and maintain databases and our Google Drive system.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and adherence to our child safeguarding and protection policy.
- Maintain insurance renewals, tracking and filing.
- Review and keep up to date all organisational policies in line with current legislation, working with the Trustees and Directors.
- Assist the CEO in the administration relating to EduSpots’ governance, including board meeting arrangements and minute taking.
- Support the CEO in all ad-hoc tasks that arise, working closely alongside her to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Strategic insight
- Work closely with the CEO and staff/Catalysts across the organisation to ensure all EduSpots’ decision-making is strategic and in the best interests of the Catalysts, Sparks and Communities we partner with.
Other areas
- Depending on experience, you may in time take on management responsibilities for some staff, but this role is principally a systems strengthening and quality improvement role, working closely with the CEO to offer advice and additional capacity.
- Depending on experience, you may support with grants writing / management and/or community fundraising. Experience of fundraising would be of significant benefit to the organisation in this key leadership role.
Personal Specification
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience of operations in a small/medium charity context.
- Self-starter with the ability to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision with high levels of flexibility.
- Self-motivated, with an ability to motivate and energise others.
- High level strategic understanding, critical thinking and the ability to strengthen systems in a fast-paced high performance environment.
- Excellent communication, both oral and written.
- The ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced, creative and impact-driven culture.
- Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Experience in creating user-friendly tools and processes to support project and quality management.
- Experience using Google Suite, with strong Excel skills.
- Tech savvy – ability to learn new tech tools efficiently.
- Experience coordinating others.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills with strong empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Strong personal alignment with the mission, vision and values of EduSpots.
Highly desirable
- Experience supporting charity Boards, and working with external bodies including auditors, tax authorities, and other official bodies is highly desirable.
- Experience complying and strong familiarity with UK charity regulations and requirements.
- Experience preparing budgets and financial reports for donors/grants.
- Experience of working in a cross-cultural team.
- Experience of working with an international charity would be advantageous.
Please send a tailored covering letter and CV addressed to the CEO Miss Cat Davison by Wednesday 31st December with a hope to meet shortlisted candidates for a first-round interview in the week starting Monday 12th January.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About Equality in Tourism
Women are the backbone of the tourism industry but suffer most from its lack of gender equality and destructive practices. We’re here to change that.
Our mission is to transform the lives of women in tourism by advocating for gender equality across the industry. We envision a just tourism industry that empowers women and girls, promotes diversity and inclusion, and contributes to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of local communities.
There are four pillars to our work: awards, research, impact projects and training.
Purpose of the Role
You will support the Director and Board of Trustees with the day-to-day running of the charity,and help us grow a strong and diversified network of partners and funders.
Job Description
- You will be responsible for the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of the charity ensuring that they align with the charity mission and values at all times;
- You will work closely with the Director and Chair to prioritise and implement the charity strategies;
- You will work closely with the Director and Board of Trustees to oversee and sometimes lead tasks or projects, ensuring deadlines and charity goals are met;
- You will proactively seek opportunities for partnerships and innovations to present to the Director and Board of Trustees and plan their implementation.
- You will build and maintain relationships with affiliated organisations (current and new) by regularly keeping in touch with them and suggesting opportunities for collaboration and events;
- You will proactively seek bid applications and funding opportunities for the charity, and lead on funding and grant applications;
- You will identify staff/volunteer gaps and oversee the recruitment process while carrying out due diligence checks (or check that this has been done);
- You will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks, including managing the organisation of meetings; sharing of minutes and action plans; responding to general enquiries.
Person Specification
This role would suit a confident and organised individual with a managerial or operational background and a desire to champion gender equality and sustainable tourism.
We’re looking for someone who has…
- strong knowledge of gender equality and tourism;
- strategic thinking;
- confidence and proven ability to self-management;
- strong organisational skills, able to manage deadlines and keep a team organised;
- people-person skills;
- excellent communication skills;
- strong reporting skills and financial acumen;
- committed to gender equality and has enthusiasm towards our goal of creating a fairer, more sustainable tourism industry.
It’s a bonus if you have…
- a background in the charity sector;
- fundraising experience;
- project management experience.
Why Working With Equality in Tourism?
You’ll be joining a growing team of Tourism and Gender specialists and you’ll have the opportunity to influence the direction and reach of our charity and make a difference with your ideas.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in putting your leadership and organisational skills to use while creating a positive impact for women in tourism, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send us a CV and a one-page cover letter telling us about yourself and why working with Equality in Tourism is right for you (and for us).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We're seeking a Learning Support & Events Coordinator to join us at an exciting moment of growth and transformation.
You'll be the practical heartbeat of our training programmes — the person who ensures that students, tutors, and staff can focus on deep learning and meaningful connection, knowing that the details are being held with care.
Working closely with our Programme Development Lead, you'll coordinate the logistics that make our work possible: organising retreat venues and online gatherings, maintaining our digital learning hub, supporting tutors and students through transitions, and keeping our systems clear and current.
This role combines event logistics, learning administration, and day-to-day coordination. It's perfect for someone who finds satisfaction in bringing order and efficiency to a values-led organisation — someone who understands that attention to detail is itself an act of care.
What You'll Do
- Learning Support - Help prepare and maintain curriculum materials, upload resources to our online Hub, track progress across projects, and support students through enrolment and onboarding.
- Events & Venues - Organise venues, travel, and catering for residential retreats, ordination ceremonies, and training weekends. Coordinate online events and ensure smooth communication with all participants.
- Administration & Systems - Maintain shared calendars and project boards (Asana), schedule meetings, prepare agendas and notes, and ensure documentation is accurate, accessible, and properly stored.
- Team Communication - Liaise warmly and professionally with faculty, tutors, students, and external partners, supporting the flow of information across our dispersed team.
- Data & Compliance - Handle all information with care, following our Data Protection and Confidentiality policies with rigour and respect.
Please read the full job description and person specification before applying.
To Apply:
Please complete our online application form: https://lsec2025app.paperform.co/
Closing Date: midnight on 7 Decemmber 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.