Advertised from 24 April 2026

Role

Founded in 1875, the Cockburn Association is Edinburgh’s Civic Trust. It is a registered Scottish Charity with stated objectives as:

• The maintenance and improvement of the amenity of the City of Edinburgh and its neighbourhood;
• The protection and preservation of the city’s landscape and historic & architectural heritage.

In practice, the Cockburn Association has evolved to take an interest in many other aspects of the city’s development and management in accordance with sustainability principles:

• Supporting the protection of the landscape setting of the city and significant open spaces that contribute to the city’s unique character
• Promoting the improvement of the aesthetic and functional quality of shared spaces such as public squares, parks, streets and footways
• Advocating for sustainable transport systems sensitive to different needs for accessibility and mobility
• Encouraging high quality contemporary design for buildings and the public realm.

Our VISION is: A thriving Edinburgh where our heritage is created, protected, and enjoyed by all

Our MISSION is: We galvanise civic action to inspire stewardship, ownership, access, and appreciation of Edinburgh’s built and natural heritage

Our VALUES are:

1. We are an independent organisation that acts with integrity to monitor change and provide well informed, evidence-based advice to secure long-term benefits for the city.
2. As a respected body, we advocate for positive change through constructive dialogue and critical challenge with the aim of delivering successful outcomes.
3. We work in partnership with others to pursue wider public interest, engaging with our members and Edinburgh’s communities so that inclusive and wider views are represented and heard.

Role Purpose:

Often the first point of contact for Members, partners and media, you’ll work with a range of stakeholders across the city, playing an integral role in one of the world’s oldest conservation charities. You’ll work with our small team of two, and our incredible volunteers to design and deliver a new audience engagement plan. You’ll support and grow our Membership through the delivery of events from our annual talks and tours to Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days (part of Scotland’s largest free heritage festival). You’ll embed our new CRM, manage budgets, and report progress to the Board, funders and wider stakeholders. There will be lots of opportunities to engage in research, embark on and strengthen partnerships, and work with communities across the city and beyond. Ideally, you’ll have a passion for Edinburgh and enjoy working flexibly and dynamically to meet our charity’s needs. It’s an exciting time to join the Association, as we embark on the delivery of our new Business Plan, take back the coordination of Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days, and work with international and local partners to build evidence for the city’s 2040 Plan. Join us and help ensure that Edinburgh is a thriving city where our heritage is created, protected, and enjoyed by all.

Application notes

TO APPLY:

Please submit:

• An up to date, job-relevant CV including your qualifications, any professional affiliations, and employment history.
• A covering letter explaining your interest in the post and what you think you would bring to the role, giving selected examples of how your experience, skills and knowledge match the job and person requirements, maximum of two pages.

Applications should be emailed to admin@cockburnassociation.org.uk with the subject line:

CONFIDENTIAL: APPLICATION FOR ROLE OF MEMBERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER 2026

We will send you an acknowledgement of your application. If you do not receive this, please contact Brigid Golden on 0131 557 8686 or by emailing the above address.

Provided below are the key dates:

Deadline for applications: 22 May 2026

Interviews: W/b 1 June 2026

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