Director of Development

Applications are invited for this exciting role to support the next key phase of community led regeneration for Stranraer.  Stranraer Development Trust are seeking strategically experienced, creative and enterprise focused applicants to fulfil the following aims:

  • To develop the mobilisation of the Borderlands Town Investment Plan ‘BTIP’ and work in partnership with key stakeholders utilising key strategic plans (Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, Stranraer Place Plan and National and Regional Economic Strategies).
  • To develop (in partnership with DGC) and implementation strategy for delivery of key place plan outcomes outlined in the Borderlands Town Investment Plan (BTIP).
  • Ensure the community of Stranraer and its associated community partners are engaged and forefront in developing projects.
  • Provide support and capacity building to the board of SDT.
  • Provide oversight for communications and participation strategy

This post is for an initial term to end March 2027 and may be extended for up to 2 years dependent on both performance and confirmation of funding).

Role of Director of Development

This role will act as a bridge between strategic stakeholders, Town Team and local community groups/residents within Stranraer to enable the BTIP project development and delivery.  It requires a creative and experienced hand to bring a focus to local activity delivery, and the role will specifically focus on developing, leading and managing prioritised projects within the BTIP.

In production of place plan and subsequent implementation.  Key elements will include:

  • Supporting consultants to devise Business Case Requirements for BTIP projects
  • Manage extensive stakeholder, community engagement, participation and consultation
  • Working with Town Team and project lead applicants to progress appropriate project outlines and mobilisation on innovative town centre regeneration opportunities within the BTIP. Liaising with Dumfries and Galloway Council regarding funding flow.
  • Identifying and resourcing match funding to further the projects in the BTIP
  • Managing and allocating project funding for year 26/27 as per Borderlands Growth Deal Award.

Project Governance

In terms of overall project governance, a steering group will be established with representatives of Stranraer Development Trust, Town Team, core funders and, where appropriate, other stakeholder representatives.  This will ensure there is clarity on the implementation of projects, and the final allocation of project resources to ensure maximum impact and benefit from project delivery.

Terms of Engagement

The role is offered on a full-time basis (initially to March 31st 2027) and the successful candidate will be employed by SDT under their normal terms of engagement or may be appointed on a self-employed basis.  In the latter case, all appropriate management, tax liabilities, health and safety, insurance etc are on the onus and the responsibility of the applicant if self-employed.  The role will report to the board and be line managed by a nominated representative of the board.

Commitment to Equality & Diversity

The post holders will be responsible for ensuring fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of all colleagues and clients, in accordance with the key values and objectives of Stranraer Development Trust.  Stranraer Development Trust is committed to the principles of Fair Work and will apply these principles for any staff and/ or contractors where appropriate.

Office Location

The expectation is that the post holder will be based in Stranraer. Part of the role may work from home, as agreed, otherwise will be based at the Stranraer Development Trust.

Applications

Application is by CV and covering letter and as part of your submission, a short summary of qualifications, relevant work experience as well as skills and abilities in relation to the specific roles available should be provided.  Examples of relevant experience including successful project delivery and summary of outcomes/ impacts of this delivery should be included in your submission.

Assessment of Applications

The assessment of applications and interviews will be at the discretion of the Selection Panel as appointed through Stranraer Development Trust.

Recruitment Process/ Interview Date

Successful candidates, who are shortlisted for interview, will be invited to interview in March.   Interviews may either be in person at a venue in Stranraer or held digitally on either a teams or zoom platform.  The format of the interview will be determined closer to the date of interview. All necessary precautions will be undertaken as appropriate to comply with government guidance.

 

Qualifications
  • Essential - Educated to degree level, or with significant relevant experience in community led regeneration and business development, experience and involvement in project management of large grants and stakeholder relationships.
  • Desirable – experience of capital projects particularly with vacant and derelict use
Work Experience
  • Essential - Proven effective leadership and project management skills working with boards and trustees. Relevant experience or skills in working effectively with community groups and volunteers. Proven track record in engaging with the local business and communities
  • Desirable - Proven track record of managing funding and reporting to donors/ funders as per grant offer requirements.
 Skills & Abilities
  • An innovative community led, and solutions focused approach developed from a strong understanding from experience of Stranraer, its people, strengths, challenges and its institutions. Strong knowledge of the local economy and community groups, the key drivers and the opportunities and challenges to effect change
  • Capacity to understand individual parties needs and to negotiate their position within a wider strategic framework
  • Strong knowledge or ability to build links within the property and/ or planning environment
  • Good analytical and presentation skills. Motivational speaker. Good communication and report writing skills
  • Experience of partnership and stakeholder working
  • Proven events management experience
  • Strong leadership and project management skills
  • Good people relationship skills and ability to work effectively with all age groups including young people
  • Local business insight, coupled with an interest in community growth and development
Job requirements
  • Lead day-to-day operational tasks related to projects with support from community groups / project teams.
  • Willing to work out-of-office hours on occasion, and flexible around travel
  • Self-disciplined, able to work without supervision
  • A current UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

 

Applications should be addressed as CONFIDENTIAL and EMAILED to:

coord@stranraerdevelopmenttrust.co.uk   

by June 12th 2026.

 

Oyster Festival Assistant

 

Job Title: Oyster Festival Assistant

 

  

Organisation: 

 

Stranraer Development Trust

 
Duration:

12 weeks fixed term contract,  commencing July 1st 2026.

 Hours & Salary:

15 hours per week for a period of 12 weeks,  salary will be paid at rate of £15.50 per hour.

 Location:

Stranraer
 

Responsible To:

  

Stranraer Development Trust Board of Trustees.  Line manager is the Development Trust’s Events Officer.

 
 

Responsible For:

  

Supporting planning and delivery of Stranraer Oyster Festival.

 
 

Job Activities:

 
  • Support with overall organisation of the Stranraer Oyster Festival
  • Support with recruitment and support a team of community volunteers to help develop and deliver Stranraer Oyster Festival 2026
  • Manage social media activity for the festival.
  • Support with identifying and organising advertising opportunities
  • Support with booking of festival equipment and festival activities
  • Engaging with organisations to carry out training for the youth volunteers as Festival Guides and Media Team.
  • Liaising with stall holders to ensure that their requirements are met.
  • Physical element will include washing, filling and emptying containers around the festival site
  • Ticket Sales

 
 

Applications

  

Applications with CV and covering letter should be submitted by 19th June 2026 to:

Mr Romano Petrucci, Chairman, Stranraer Development Trust.

Email romano66@aol.com