Advertised from 23 June 2026

Role

As SOPA enters an exciting period of renewal and growth, we are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Development Worker to help strengthen our membership, partnerships, communications and influence across Scotland. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to make a real difference to the lives of older people across Scotland, to help amplify the voices of older people and influence positive change.

Working closely with our Members, Board of Trustees and partner organisations, you will help deliver SOPA's strategic objectives, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and support the organisation's continued development and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Membership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with SOPA members, partner organisations and key stakeholders, including Scottish Government.
• Support membership recruitment, retention and engagement activities. 
• Build new partnerships with organisations that share SOPA's values and objectives. 
• Outreach and Development
• Organise and coordinate a minimum of three outreach meetings each year across Scotland. 
• Gather feedback from members and stakeholders to help inform SOPA's priorities and activities. 
• Identify opportunities to increase SOPA's profile, reach and impact. 
• Communications
• Manage and update SOPA's website and social media platforms, ensuring content remains current, engaging and relevant. 
• Coordinate regular member communications, including newsletters and promotions
• Promote SOPA's activities, campaigns and events.
• Governance Support 
• Work with the administrator and Trustees in planning and delivering major events, conferences and member meetings. 
• Prepare progress reports for the Board of Trustees and funders. 
• Contribute to the implementation of SOPA's strategic and operational plans.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a self-motivated and organised individual with:

• Experience in community development, membership organisations, voluntary sector development, stakeholder engagement or a similar role. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience creating newsletters and social media campaigns.
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills. 
• Ability to work independently while building effective relationships with a wide range of people. 
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital communication tools. 
• Understanding of the voluntary, charity or community sector. 
• Experience working with older people or age-related organisations. 
• Knowledge of the policy and issues affecting older people in Scotland.

Application notes

Please submit a current CV with a covering letter (maximum two A4 pages) outlining why you are interested in the role, how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position and why you believe you are the right person to help SOPA achieve its aims. 

Applications should be sent to: info@scotopa.org.uk

Closing Date: 5 July 2026

Interviews: 21/22 July 2026

The Scottish Older People's Assembly is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

The Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA) is a national charity dedicated to ensuring that older people have a strong voice in shaping the policies, services and communities that affect their lives. Through the lived experiences of our members, we work to influence decision-makers, highlight the challenges and opportunities facing older people, and celebrate the valuable contribution older people make to society. We are a membership-led organisation supported by volunteers and governed by a Board of Trustees.

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