Commercial Specialist Trustee role
About the Role
We are looking for a talented individual to provide expert commercial guidance and strategic direction as a Trustee of the Ecology Centre; an inclusive, community-led charity in Fife that connects people with nature for the benefit of both.
Key Responsibilities
What will you be doing?
As an individual with a high level of experience and knowledge of how successful businesses operate, you will work in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and Staff Management team to bring commercial understanding that will enhance the long-term sustainability of our charity.
You will bring your commercial acumen and knowledge of commercial disciplines to drive efficiency within the charity's operations and ensure that we identify opportunities to demonstrate best practice in all that we do. In doing so, you will play a key role in helping to drive the present and future of the charity to achieve its objectives in the immediate and long term.
This is a voluntary role and, though we ask that Board members are able to devote approximately 3-7 hours per week to the charity’s work, we work in a respectful environment that is flexible to your individual circumstances.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual with drive and passion that aligns with the purpose of our charity and who can help to support our strategic direction and commercial success with a skillset that complements those of our existing Trustees.
We are looking for an innovative, opportunity-focused individual with proven experience in a relevant commercial discipline (e.g. corporate enterprises, start-ups) who can provide support with the following key areas:
Strategy development: Working with the Board of Trustees and Staff Management team to shape effective commercial strategies, fostering long-term sustainability and growth in line with our values
Operational best practice: Analyse existing operations to identify areas where processes and procedures can be improved to drive efficient best practice
Financial sustainability and risk: Demonstrate financial and commercial acumen to ensure effective financial governance, monitoring and risk management and that Trustees discharge duties in line with all relevant rules and regulations
Performance measurement: Support the development of appropriate mechanisms to measure success, ensuring we add value to the community in line with our constitution
People support: Providing expert guidance and mentorship as necessary to the Staff Management team to ensure alignment at all levels.
Previous experience in environmental and/or third sector roles is welcome but not necessary, and nor do we consider it a requirement that you have previous experience as part of a Board or Executive Committee.
Most important to us is having integrity, team-working ethic and a passion to help develop and grow our charity.
While we love to hear from individuals who are connected to our community and can have an occasional presence on-site, we welcome fully remote involvement for the right individuals.
We believe strongly that an inclusive Board makes us better - better at decisions, better at impact, better at living our values. We actively encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in trustee roles, including (but not limited to) people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from lower-income backgrounds, carers, and those with non-linear career paths. If you face hidden barriers or need adjustments at any stage, we will work with you - respectfully and confidentially.
What difference will you make?
The Ecology Centre’s vision is to connect people and nature for the sustainable wellbeing of both. We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and green space for communities to connect with each other and celebrate the joy of nature. We foster connections between people and the environment through environmental education for all and provide benefit to community, health and wellbeing.
You’ll work together with the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure that the charity is environmentally and commercially sustainable and continues to have a positive impact on its local environment, people and society as a whole.
You will help set the direction of the organisation, lead strategic and business planning, and will work closely with our engaged Staff Management team to shape a resilient, well‑governed charity making a tangible local environmental impact.
How to apply:
If you are interested in this position, we look forward to receiving your application, ideally by way of a CV and Cover Letter. Applicants may be invited to attend a short online meeting with the Board of Trustees in order to assess fit and values alignments.
If a traditional CV/cover letter is a barrier, you’re warmly invited to apply in the format that works best for you. We’re also open to alternative conversation formats and reasonable adjustments to remove hidden barriers. You don’t need to share personal details to request adjustments; tell us what you need - not why - and we’ll handle requests confidentially.
If you would like to discuss the role in advance of applying, please get in touch.
If you are interested please send us an email in the first instance to: owen@theecologycentre.org and admin@theecologycentre.org