Centre Director, Barcaple Outdoor Adventure Centre

Are you passionate about the outdoors, eager to see lives transformed and able to lead, nurture and grow a team? Would you like to live and work as part of a Christian community in the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway?  

Abernethy works to see lives transformed. We do this through incredible outdoor experiences in the natural beauty of Scotland, that inspire, challenge and equip. Our retreats, holidays, adventures, and school residentials bring joy, build confidence, and nurture growth. 

Abernethy Trust are seeking a new Centre Director to lead the ministry at our Barcaple Centre and help the organisation achieve its strategic aims and objectives. This will be a challenging, rewarding and exciting role and, as a key member of the senior leadership team, will be critical in shaping the future of the charity.

Our prayer for a Centre Director is for someone who can take the lead in creating a Centre and building a Christian community that is both welcoming and safe, inspiring and challenging and which enables guests and staff to encounter the transformative power of God’s love.

Our prayer is for someone who can offer the calling, gifts and experience outlined below: 

Calling

• You have a passion to discern and develop the gifts of others and lead them to become committed disciples of Jesus, effective in their work and witness 
• You are able to foster a warm, hospitable ambience within the Centre and amongst the staff 
• You carry a conviction that faithfulness to the gospel requires us to share the good news in both word and deed 

Gifts & Strengths

• You will be able to oversee Team Leaders, helping them create a harmonious and efficient working environment through collaboration and communication 
• You will be able to build a strong Centre team through wise recruitment and excellent people management 
• You will recognize the importance of and be able to ensure safe working practices and adherence to legal requirements 
• You will be comfortable with taking responsibility for the financial performance of the Centre to ensure resources are used effectively through writing and delivering budgets 
• You will play a part in shaping the direction of the Trust by being part of the Abernethy Leadership Team and working closely with and supporting the CEO 

Experience & Qualities

• A mature Christian faith and experience of spiritual leadership 
• You understand what is required to inspire and develop a team 
• A passion for the outdoors and a desire to see outdoor adventure used to share the good news of Jesus 
• You will be a role model, a consistent presence for the team and an ambassador for Abernethy 
• You have experience of writing and delivering budgets 
• You have excellent communication skills 

We would also love you to have

• Worked in missional teams where you live alongside each other, and therefore understand the dynamics of our residential context  
• Excellent Word, Excel, Outlook and IT skills 

What can we offer you?

• A monthly salary (plus allowances as required) 
• Accommodation available (dependent on the applicant’s needs) 
• 30 days paid annual leave (increases with length of service) 
• Opportunities for personal development and training 
• Use of Centre facilities and equipment 
• Favourable rates for family on most Abernethy holidays and camps 
• Living as part of a vibrant Christian community in a fabulous location with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure 

Good to know

• Full time, permanent contract 
• It is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the holder of this post is a practising Christian whose lifestyle is consistent with the values and doctrine of the Christian faith 
• As part of our commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Scheme and the appointment will be subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme Disclosure. 
• We cannot accept overseas applications for this role unless you have the right to work in the UK. If you would like to volunteer with us then please refer to our international volunteer page.

How to apply

If you wish to apply, or for more information, please email [email protected] with the following:

• A covering note, of not more than two pages, outlining your motivation and relevant experience for the role 
• The covering letter should also include the names of three referees. Please note these referees will not be contacted without your prior agreement 
• A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing positions, responsibilities held and relevant achievements