Midsteeple Quarter have completed the build of phase 1 of our original business plan and must now assess and plan the next stages of our vision which is:
• to set the phase 1 building to work for the community, and
• to set the plan, the vision, the funding and the energy to transform our other 5 buildings so that they work as a coherent entity to drive the recovery of the town centre as a vibrant hub for a prosperous town.
The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Dumfries High Street Limited (MSQ) for the delivery of this vision and the goals set out in the strategic Business Plan.
The Executive Director leads our small staff team, ensures that our standards of governance comply with the requirements of our funders and our responsibility to our community and provides the drive and focus to make MSQ a sustainable community led business in the town centre.
Hours: 35 hours/week, excluding unpaid breaks. The post holder will be expected on occasions to work evening/weekend hours and undertake travel to attend meetings elsewhere
Contract: For 12 months from start date with the intention to continue subject to funding.
Purpose of role: The Executive Director (ED) will lead MSQ to become a more resilient organisation. In particular, by development of a more detailed business plan, with a pipeline for revenue funding and a clear pathway towards financial stability.
The ED will work to achieve the objectives set out in our strategic business plan, including overseeing the early stages of the operational phase of the Standard building, such that it becomes fully occupied with commercial spaces taken up by local enterprises and entrepreneurs, and is generating sufficient income to cover its running costs.
The ED will review and develop the current master plan for the future of Dumfries High Street to develop a realistic approach to delivering against the original ambitions of the master plan.
Key Responsibilities
MSQ Board – the Executive Director will:
• be the governance link between the board and the executive team;
• work with the Board to design a new organisational structure for the MSQ Executive – a structure suited for delivery of the MSQ vision and aligned to MSQ governance structure;
• lead on recruitment and line management of the executive team on behalf of the Board.
Project delivery and development – the Executive Director will:
• manage the delivery of all Midsteeple Quarter projects and activities according to the strategy and planning agreed with MSQ Board;
• seek opportunities for new projects with local, regional and national partners, developing projects that will benefit and further the aims of MSQ;
• play a key role on the Development sub-group.
Income generation – the Executive Director will:
• lead on the delivery of strategy for raising finance for the project (grant funding, private investment, loans and bonds);
• support the team on writing funding applications;
• play a key role on the Finance, Funding and Strategy sub-group.
Partnership and community – the Executive Director will:
• build and maintain relationships with key strategic partners (eg Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Government, South of Scotland Enterprise, funders);
• represent MSQ at external events and within local, regional, national and international context;
• play a key role on the Communications, Membership and Community subgroup;
• have oversight of the community engagement programme.
Key Tasks
Manage the delivery of the MSQ project:
• Hold the overview of project activity and plan how to best schedule people and resources.
• Meet regularly with the Chair/Vice Chair of the Board.
• Liaise with the Project Team members regularly.
• Bring insights to planning sessions.
• Work with the Chair and board members on the project planning and strategy, and manage the delivery of the strategy.
• Manage the MSQ project budget.
• Supporting the Board in partnership building and maintenance locally and nationally.
• Work with the Board on the development of a fundraising strategy and manage delivery of the strategy.
• Fundraising from a mix of public, private, third sector, trusts and foundations.
• Seek private capital investment and managing community bond offers (and similar) and repayment schedules, etc.
• Manage the business of the Board and Board meetings.
• Day to day operational management of MSQ project.
• Manage and coordinate design teams working of MSQ property projects.
• Line manage the MSQ project team and lead on HR issues including organisational policies.
• Maintain and develop the relationships with the MSQ membership and wider community.
• Ensure that MSQ is up to date with community regeneration and planning policy and practice, nationally and internationally.
Person Specification
A. Essential knowledge/experience:
A1 Proven experience in project management with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
A2 Experience of managing and leading redevelopment of property
A3 Strong financial management and budgeting skills, with experience in completing financial reports and returns.
A4 Experience of business planning and cash flow control.
A5 HR management, recruitment, motivation, training and review.
A6 Experience of completing fundraising applications.
A7 Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
A8 Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of partners.
A9 Strong digital skills, with proficiency in key systems such as MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and associated applications.
B. Desirable experience:
B1 Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing towns and local communities.
B2 Awareness of relevant health and safety policies and procedures.
B3 Experience of inspiring leadership of community projects and initiatives.
B4 Experience of working in with or for third sector organisations or community benefit societies
B5 Driving Licence.
B6 Relevant degree level or equivalent qualification.
C. Essential attributes:
C1 Integrity, enthusiasm for a vision of improvement and a drive to succeed
C2 Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, motivate and inspire and manage competing demands.
C3 Adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities.
To apply for this post, submit a letter of application enclosing a current CV to secretary@midsteeplequarter.org (Ref ED 01). Your application letter should include evidence of your experience in each of the areas covered in the person specification.
Informal enquiries can be made to the Chairperson, Robert Richmond by email to robert.richmond42@gmail.com
