Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Based at: Flexible – hybrid working. Edinburgh based

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week (open to flexible or part-time working) 

Salary: c£41,000

Department: Operations and Advocacy

It’s a very exciting time to join the Ramblers. We have been instrumental in helping Britain experience the great outdoors for almost 90 years. But we are looking to the future, not the past.

We know not everyone has the same access to the outdoors, so we’re continue to fight for change. We campaign, protect paths and lead walks so no matter who you are, you can enjoy the benefits of getting out into the fresh air and wide-open spaces.

We need your drive, knowledge, skills, and creativity to help us raise awareness of the Ramblers and what we stand for, helping the charity grow its supporter base and meet our brand goals. Ultimately, you will help open up the joys and wellbeing benefits of walking to many more people.

About us

You might know us for our group walks, thousands of which take place every week across England, Scotland and Wales.

But there’s a lot more to the Ramblers. Since 1935, we’ve been fighting for the public’s right to enjoy Britain’s landscapes. We do it through campaigning for changes in legislation, opening up green routes in cities, maintaining paths and signposts, saving lost paths … and so much more.

Purpose of Role

We are looking for someone to help us shape public policy in Scotland in a way that ensures everyone can enjoy access to the outdoors. We want your help to make sure that those who currently have the least access are enabled to overcome the barriers they face, because they have the most to gain. You will help us engage with formal policy making processes, but also with the broader networks through which public policy is informed and shaped. You will become a key member of the small team that drives our public campaigning in Scotland.

The role

Key Responsibilities: 

Become the leading expert on access to the outdoors in Scotland and use your expertise to help make access more equitable.

Create Ramblers Scotland policy and engage with formal opportunities to shape public policy.
Develop and maintain high level professional relationships on behalf of the organisation to influence key stakeholders.

Help Ramblers position itself in the Scottish public policy space and shape our campaign priorities.
Develop and support a network of campaign volunteers and build their capacity.

The person 

Knowledge and Experience 

  Essential: 

Good knowledge of policy issues relating to walking and the walking environment in Scotland or related policy areas.
Proven ability to use your knowledge of Scottish political systems and structures to conduct effective advocacy.
Line management of staff and/or volunteers or leading project teams.
Ability to develop strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholder

Desirable: 

Ability to travel throughout Scotland and occasionally across Britain, full driver’s license and access to a car
An active and demonstrable interest in walking and engaging people with the outdoors

The Ramblers promote diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Values and Behaviours 

Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people. 

 Inclusive – We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.   

  Inspiring – We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.   

  Empowering – We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.    

  Responsible – We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.  

The Ramblers jobs

Policy and Advocacy Manager