Help Shape the Future of the West Highland Way

Join the new charity created to support one of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trails.

West Highland Way Trust (SC053704)

• Job Description – Funding and Communications Manager

• Job Title: Funding and Communications Manager

• Reporting to: Director, West Highland Way Trust

• Contract: Fixed term (2 years with potential to extend)

• Hours: Part-time – 25 hours per week (Flexible working available)

• Salary Range: £34,000 – £38,000 pro‑rata

• Pension: Employer contribution 6%

• Annual Leave: 29 days plus 4 public holidays pro-rata

• Location: Scotland, Home-based initially.  The Trust is considering the option of a small office base and may move to hybrid working in the future.

Role Purpose

The Funding & Communications Manager will lead the development and growth of the West Highland Way Trust’s funding and supporter engagement activity, ensuring effective communications underpin all aspects of this work. This role will build a strong, visible and engaged supporter base to underpin the Trust’s long-term sustainability.

We are a small and passionate team, so the postholder will be working closely with the Director and Board of Trustees as well as with our partners and consultants, where necessary. With this support, the postholder will deliver the Trust’s core funding and engagement functions; shaping the systems, communications and supporter pathways needed for a modern, credible and impactful national charity.

The role will deliver the Trust’s Funding Strategy, secure existing income streams and develop new opportunities across individual giving, donor development, commercial partnerships, sponsorships and membership.

The postholder will be expected to work in line with the Trust’s policies, including commitments to equality and diversity, safeguarding, environmental responsibility, transparency and good governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Funding & Income Generation

• Support the review and implementation of the Trust’s Funding Strategy.

• Deliver annual funding plans and income targets across a diverse portfolio of income sources.

• Lead individual giving campaigns and appeals.

• Identify new donor opportunities, including regular giving and digital funding.

• Coordinate and manage funding applications.

• Develop supporter journeys that encourage long-term engagement and giving.

2. Communications, Engagement & Partnerships

• Deliver clear, consistent communications supporting fundraising and engagement across digital platforms, including online news items, e-newsletters, website content and social media.

• Shape and maintain the Trust’s brand identity, messaging and tone of voice.

• Produce compelling supporter communications, case-for-support materials and impact stories.

• Manage and develop engagement opportunities such as surveys, events and consultations.

• Build relationships with aligned businesses, partners and stakeholders.

• Promote funding, membership and engagement opportunities through external channels.

• Ensure consistent, accessible and engaging communication across all Trust activities.

3. Membership and Supporter Development

• Launch, develop and grow the Trust’s Membership scheme.  Building the offer for individual, corporate and international membership as part of the wider funding and supporter engagement mix.

• Manage recruitment campaigns and retention initiatives that encourage repeat giving and active participation.

• Monitor membership and supporter data, trends and performance against targets.

• Support corporate membership and partnership development.

• Ensure membership and supporter communications align with the Trust’s wider brand and engagement strategy.

4. Systems, Data & Compliance

• Manage and maintain accurate member and donor records using digital systems and CRM tools.

• Ensure compliance with financial management systems, processes and policies.

• Monitor income performance and provide regular reports to senior staff and the Board.

• Ensure compliance with Gift Aid, GDPR and data protection requirements.

5. Service Delivery & Retail Activities

• Manage external consultants, service providers or partnerships.

• Manage retail and wholesale activities, including online sales.

• Ensure retail activity supports and enhances the Trust’s brand and supporter engagement.

Person Specification

Essential

• Educated to Degree level, or equivalent, in a relevant field.

• Strong track record of successful funding and sustainable income generation in a third sector environment.

• Knowledge and experience of delivering impactful engagement and communication with funders, partners and supporters.

• Experience of managing member/supporter data using a CRM/database and understanding of Gift Aid and GDPR compliance.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to produce engaging supporter communications through websites and digital platforms.

• Ability to analyse income performance and use data to inform strategy monitoring.

• Experience of procurement and external contract management.

• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

• Established IT and digital skills including Microsoft Office and ability to use a range of relevant digital applications and systems.

Desirable

• Experience of charity membership development and management.

• Familiarity with partnership working involving public bodies such as National Park Authorities or local authorities.

• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant Scottish outdoor, environmental or land-based legislation, policies or best practice.

• Project management, managing consultants and project delivery experience.