First Step are currently recruiting for a Fundraising Officer

Current Opportunities

Fundraising Officer

23.5 hours per week

£33,251 pro-rata

First Step is a community-based organisation working directly with families and young children in the early years. We support parents to build confidence, strengthen relationships and create a nurturing environment for their children. Our services include early learning and childcare, family learning and wellbeing activities, dedicated family support and outreach, and a range of opportunities for volunteering and community involvement.

We are seeking a motivated, self-starting Fundraising Officer, who will be central to the growth and sustainability of First Step’s work. You will lead on securing funding and developing new projects that respond to the needs of families with young children.

With excellent communication skills, you will work closely with the Project Manager and the Strategic Board to shape and deliver innovative, community led initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of children and their families. This includes identifying funding opportunities, writing compelling bids and building strong relationships with funders and partners.

Using your creativity, you will also be responsible for raising awareness of First Step’s services through events, presentations, marketing materials, and managing social media and website content. We’re looking for a versatile individual who communicates effectively at all levels, writes clearly, collaborates well with others, and can work independently when needed.

In addition to a highly satisfying role, we offer a range of staff benefits including:

Enhanced annual leave
Contributory pension scheme
Enhanced sick pay
Learning and development opportunities.

If you would like to join our team at First Step, an application pack can be obtained by emailing Jacqueline Mesa, using info@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk

Application

An application pack can be downloaded below.

Job Description

Person Specification

Application Form

We anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Closing 14th January 2026

Early Years Practitioner

25 hours per week / Term Time

Practitioner £14.09 per hour plus holiday pay

First Step is a community based, locally managed project in Musselburgh. Our aim is to provide opportunities for families with young children to make positive choices and to encourage parents and children to develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem. We provide a range of services for families with children under 8, including early learning & childcare, a family support service and a varied programme of groups and classes.

A rare opportunity has arisen for an Early Years Practitioner to join our Early Years Team within First Step Community Project. This post will be to work alongside our existing Early Years Team on a term time basis. The post is 25 hours per week worked across Monday to Thursday but additional hours may be available. This is a temporary post until October 2026 with a view to securing funding thereafter.

Working within an established Early Years Team the post holder will support in delivering the best possible early learning and childcare for our children between 18 months to school aged. The successful candidate will need to support the vision, mission and values of First Step Community Project.

We will welcome applications from candidates with a Practitioner level qualification. Experience working within an early learning and childcare setting is advantageous as is a good knowledge of Early Years frameworks, legislation and guidance. We are looking for a flexible individual who is confident supporting an existing team within a community-based setting. The post is subject to membership of the PVG scheme, SSSC Registration and satisfactory references.

If you would like to join our team at First Step, an application pack can be obtained by contacting Jennifer Mitchell, Early Years Manager by emailing earlyyears@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk

We anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Relief Early Years Practitioner

£12.60 per hour plus holiday pay

Held in high regard, First Step Nursery seeks to offer high quality early learning experiences with nurturing child care provision which meets the needs of young children and their families. Our long-established nursery in Musselburgh is set in the heart of our local community and caters for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

We are looking for a reliable, highly motivated individual to cover periods of staff absence both planned and at short notice. The post holder will have previous experience working in Early Years. As a Relief Early Years Practitioner, you will play a key role in ensuring continuity of care in staff absence, and strive to support the early years team to deliver the best possible early learning and childcare for children

A relevant practitioner qualification (HNC/SVQ 3 in Early Learning and Childcare etc.) and post qualification experience is essential for this post.

The post is subject to membership of the PVG scheme, SSSC Registration and satisfactory references.

In return we offer:

· The Real Living Wage of £12.60 per hour + holiday pay

· Continuous Professional development

If you would like to join our team at First Step, an application pack can be obtained by emailing us at earlyyears@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk

Scottish Charity No. SC028891 Company Limited by Guarantee No SC194542

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Board Member Opportunities

First Step Community Project is a charity which, plays a crucial role in the development and support of young families in East Lothian. The Project provides Early learning and Childcare for under 5s, as well as educational, vocational and social development opportunities for parents and carers. First Step also provides outreach services for families experiencing a period of difficulty in their lives.

Board Members

We are looking to expand membership of our Strategic Board, to develop the strategic direction, support the Project's aims and objectives and ensure good governance. If you can devote some time and are motivated to assisting us we would welcome your application.

We would be particularly interested in hearing from enthusiastic and caring individuals with skills, experience and knowledge in any of the following areas:

• Business Development

• Fundraising and identification of funding streams

• Human resource management

• Academic / research within the Early Years and Family support

• Legal expertise

• Social media, marketing, digital marketing and PR

It would be beneficial if potential Board Members have an understanding of or involvement in the charity sector, however this is not essential.

Board membership is voluntary and unpaid and meet 6 times a year. Learning and development opportunities exist for all Board members, including full induction training.

Please send an initial expression of interest to the address below with details of relevant skills and experience.