OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

The West Harris Trust was formed in 2010, after the community land buyout of the crofting townships of Losgaintir, Seilebost, Horgabost, Na Buirgh and Sgarasta Mhor. We now have an exciting placement opportunity for a Marketing Graduate to deliver a 12 month placement project. The successful candidate will undertake market research to analyse our customer groups. You will then use the market research to form the basis for the creation and subsequent implementation of our marketing strategy. 

Job description

Project Description

The successful candidate will assist with the following areas:

• Talla na Mara  - a newly built Community Enterprise Centre situated on the West Coast of the Isle of Harris. Owned by the West Harris Trust, the centre was conceived and developed to address the needs the community, local businesses and visitors to the area. The graduate will be required to develop a marketing plan for the Centre’s facilities.
• West Harris Trust Housing Scheme - the graduate will assist with promoting of the Trust’s housing scheme, with sites available across West Harris at a discounted price to people moving permanently to the area.
• Pontoon and moorings at Horgabost, camping spots, Old Seilebost School – the graduate will assist in exploring the best approach to develop new revenue streams for the Trust.

The preferred start date is 3rd July 2017, however this is flexible depending on the availability of the successful candidate.

For informal enquiries regarding this position please contact Anna Helfrich, Centre & Event Manager, T: 07760 575658, E: [email protected].

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

Placement Objectives

To assist with development and implementation of our marketing strategy.

Role Description

Specific tasks of the placement will include:

• Analysing customer groups
• Researching emerging markets and new market opportunities
• Developing a Marketing Plan for the facilities at Talla na Mara
• Producing marketing material
• Enhancing our online presence
• Marketing house sites to permanent residents
• Boosting our income streams.

Qualifications

Minimum HNC preferably related to marketing. Other subjects accepted provided the candidate has the required skills. 

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Marketing skills
• Time management skills
• Driving license
• Enthusiasm
• Commitment to project completion

Desirable Skills

• Experience of community engagement
• Knowledge of Community land ownership
• Gaelic
• Experience of living in a rural community
• Understanding of social enterprise

Benefits

Company benefits

Attending training as required. Mentorship in a tourism, hospitality and administration setting. Experience of working for a community charity and developing a social enterprise. Enrolment into a Pension scheme.

Placement benefits

As part of the ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, you will have access to a tailored graduate business skills training course. ScotGrad placements also offer a unique opportunity to connect with a vast network of graduates and ScotGrad alumni. All graduates appointed through the programme are encouraged to use the ScotGrad LinkedIn group to communicate with other ScotGrad participants, learn about any professional development opportunities, including any relevant networking events and build up a professional network.

Additional information

Location: Pairc Niseaboist, Isle of Harris

Preferred start date: 03/07/2017

Company information

The West Harris Trust is a community charity responsible for managing 7225ha of land on the west side of Harris. It was formed when the crofting townships of Losgaintir, Seilebost, Horgabost, Na Buirgh and Sgarasta Mhor were purchased by the local community from the Scottish Government in January 2010.

West Harris is a very special place, the spectacular beaches and local culture make it a much sought after holiday location and a very enviable place to live.

Our key aims:

• Revitalize the community by attracting new residents and creating new housing and employment opportunities
• Create environmentally sustainable energy for the community via small hydro and micro-wind projects
• Conserve and increase understanding of our stunning natural and cultural heritage

In addition to income generated through the commercial activities at our newly built Community Enterprise Centre, Talla na Mara, the Trust generates income through:

• croft rents
• sporting rights
• communication mast rents
• renewable energy generation  

The Trust also owns and lets two properties, The Cliff Marine Shore base and the Old Seilebost School and manages camping spots and a campervan Hook up site.

Company sector: Other

Company website: www.westharristrust.org