For over 150 years VSA has supported people during times of need throughout their lives, to fulfil their physical or learning potential, improve their wellbeing or help them gain access to advice and opportunity. We help the people we support  feel safe and secure in a place they call home.

We understand that we will only meet the needs of people from marginalised groups by being truly in and of the communities we serve. We have evolved our expertise through continuous learning and application. We are friends and neighbours of people we support.. VSA offers support from the very earliest to the most senior in years. Through nursery primary and secondary education into adult life. Our work spans supporting people with learning support needs, mental health and the additive effects of ageing: supporting independence and supporting families and carers.

As well as providing a reliable home we support young people living with complex additional support needs with an environment in which to thrive at our school campus at Linn Moor. At neighbouring Easter Anguston Farm we provide training placements

VSA works closely with the local authorities of both Aberdeen City and Shire to offer responsive learning and caring support services based a deep understanding of the changing population and the needs of local people. We now aim to go further, building on our established relationships, looking to bring funders, partners and communities together to create innovative models of support which reflect the evolving needs and wishes of our people and neighbourhoods.

Our story is told best of all by the people we support. People like Kai and Maggie

In this role you will have the opportunity to connect the people and businesses of Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland with those who most need support. You will have the freedom to explore new ways of working, new ways of engaging with supporter groups and new ways of generating income – from traditional marketing, fundraising and sales approaches to new models of co-funding and social investment – all alongside our core local authority-commissioned services.

There will be opportunities to extend the reach and impact of our services, learning from what communities tell us, not only as professionals but as neighbours and friends; to broaden our network of financial and business support from commercial, philanthropic and community organisations and from the people of Aberdeen – and ultimately help to transform the lives of those who most need our professional services and support.

As part of the senior team you will work directly with me and your colleague directors, supported by a committed Board of local trustees, in building a thriving community of investment in the care and wellbeing of the people of Aberdeen and the North-East – and contributing to more and better services to meet the care needs of all our communities.

Your role will include leading our marketing, communications and fundraising team, building a stronger connection with the VSA brand, increasing awareness and confidence in how we deliver impact, increasing our fundraising and new income stream capacity and nurturing a highly-motivated and effective team.

We are keen to speak to candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Income Generation (in particular; Legacy, Major Gift/Philanthropy, Corporate and/or Individual Giving.
• Innovation – experience and implementation of a business case/strategy at this level in a similar role.
• Senior Management/Leadership – experience in a similar role at this level with a non profit would be an advantage.

Please contact Donna McKay [email protected] or Alan Surgeon [email protected] to arrange a suitable time for a confidential discussion about this post, ideally via Teams or Zoom.

Suitable candidates will then be invited to apply with a CV and Cover Letter by clicking the Apply button below. No Application Form is required to apply for this post.