Executive Director for Scotland

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority. As we all emerge from an extraordinarily challenging period, with many facing hardship, it has never been more important for Samaritans to be here. We are looking for an inspirational Executive Director for Scotland to lead our work here as we move into a new strategy period with a new strategic delivery plan for Scotland aligned to a new UK & ROI strategy.

In Scotland, we are moving from strength to strength and, right now, there are opportunities to make real and lasting change to ensure fewer lives are lost to suicide. The hope we offer through human connection saves lives, but we also need to do far more to reduce the levels of distress, anxiety, isolation and hopelessness that lead people to contacting us in the first place.

The successful applicant will bring experience and knowledge with which to lead our team and work in Scotland, a deep commitment to our mission and values and a proven ability to work independently at a senior level.

You’ll be based in Scotland with a robust understanding of the civic and political landscape we work in as well as deep experience and capacity for high level stakeholder relationship management. You’ll be passionate about embedded equity, diversity and inclusion in all we do. You’ll have a record of achievement at a senior level in a voluntary, commercial or public organisation and be confident in representing the organisation in public spheres.

In the coming year we will be undertaking a review of how Samaritans Scotland is governed and operates in the context of the wider Samaritans family that works across the five jurisdictions of the UK and ROI. The successful candidate will play an active role in this review.

Salary: £71,500

You can download a full candidate brochure here.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to Ailsa Sutherland, Director at FWB Park Brown at fwb@fwbparkbrown.com. For an initial confidential discussion please call our Edinburgh office on 0737 539 7087.

Closing date for applications is 24th June.

Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. We warmly welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

We are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout our recruitment process. We are flexible in how we receive information and if you would like to apply via a different format, please let us know by email or phone, details of which can be found within the job description.