Job Description

Role: Associate Director - Place

Team: Place, Housing & Economic Investment

Reports to: Associate Director – Place

Application requirements: Please provide a tailored CV and covering letter

Closing date for applications: 28 July 2025

Job Purpose

To support SFT’s day-to-day Place activity, working closely with the team lead to shape, enshrine, and deliver SFT’s approach to the Place Principle, aligning it with our corporate objectives and wider programmes with partners.

Location

Based in Edinburgh with a hybrid working approach (minimum 1 day/week in the office), including travel for meetings, workshops, site visits, and conferences.

Position

The appointment will be at Associate Director level.

Responsibilities

No direct reports or budget responsibility.

Principal Accountabilities

• Support the team’s daily activities and help shape the team’s approach as a framework for outcome-based change and investment.
• Collaborate with other teams across SFT and partners (including Scottish Government) on initiatives like the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard and public sector reform.
• Enhance the SFT Place Guide to support partners in achieving outcomes through development of blueprints, exemplars, templates, and guidance.
• Lead or support the development of programmes and strategies to shape investment propositions, including identifying funding opportunities.
• Assist in developing outcome-focused investment models.
• Represent SFT on key stakeholder bodies and policy forums.
• Prepare key documents, workstream outputs, and deliver presentations to senior management.

Contextual Information

The team focuses on outcomes, land use, public assets, and economic activity to create sustainable places with diverse housing options. The role involves working with public, private, and third sector partners on various programmes, often working closely with other SFT workstreams.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Understanding of public policy, economic drivers, and collaboration.
• Knowledge of the Place Principle and outcome shaping.
• Experience in delivering successful programmes and outcomes.
• Experience working with senior decision makers.
• Understanding of funding, finance options, and investment proposals.
• Capability in facilitating engagement sessions.
• Experience working across sectors and in team environments.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Self-motivated with initiative.

Competencies

• Drive for Results
• Innovation
• Impact & Influence
• Working with Others