Whale Arts Agency

Wester Hailes Arts for Leisure and Education

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Vacancy: Marketing and Communications Lead

04/06/2025 By Whale Arts

WHALE Arts marketing and communications Lead Job advert featured image graphic for website and social media with details on 14th July 9am deadline

We are seeking a creative, well organised self-starter to develop and deliver engaging content communicating the impact of our work and connecting us to our community, partners, artists and funders.

Permanent
Part-Time – 14 hours a week
£26,326 pro-rata
Based at WHALE Arts Centre, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, EH14 2SA

WHALE Arts is a community-led arts charity and social enterprise based in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. Our vision is for a creative, thriving, resilient community. We provide access to inspiring creative opportunities, working in partnership with local people and artists to support community-led development through the arts.

We are seeking a creative and organised Marketing and Communications Lead to tell the story of WHALE Arts. Working closely with our team, you’ll lead on marketing and communications across the organisation, ensuring consistent, confident messaging and brand identity across digital and print platforms. You’ll support audience development, promote our programmes and events, manage media relations, and ensure our communications are accessible and inclusive.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement WHALE’s Communications and Engagement Strategy.
  • Create and manage engaging content for our website, social media channels, newsletters, and printed materials.
  • Support audience development and fundraising goals by expanding reach and participation.
  • Maintain brand consistency in messaging, tone, and visual identity.
  • Manage press and media relations, including writing and distributing press releases.
  • Work collaboratively with programme staff to ensure timely and effective promotion of events.
  • Use analytics and feedback to evaluate communications performance and inform strategy.
  • Lead on ensuring digital accessibility and safeguarding standards across communications.
  • Manage film/photography permissions, ensuring GDPR and safeguarding compliance.
  • Oversee marketing budget and maintain relevant databases and digital tools.
  • Collate audience data and support reporting and evaluation alongside the Front of House team.

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about community arts and social impact, with a flair for storytelling, visual communication, and audience engagement. You’ll have experience in managing social media and websites, be confident in coordinating campaigns, and understand the importance of accessible, inclusive communication.

How to Apply

Click the links below to download the full job description and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form:

  • Job Description
  • Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter (or max 5 minute video/audio statement) explaining your suitability for the role to recruitment@whalearts.co.uk by 9.00am on 14 July 2025. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 23 July.

For further information, please contact info@whalearts.co.uk (Kate Griffin), or call 0131 458 3267.

Filed Under: News, Vacancies Tagged With: vacancies, Wester Hailes, WHALE Arts

Volunteering Opportunities for our Creative Arts and Wellbeing Programme  

31/01/2025 By Whale Arts

We are looking for some volunteers to support our Men’s Makers sessions and Open Studio sessions.


Open Studio Support

Open Studio is a space for people to come to try a new creative process or work on their own creative projects.

We are looking for a volunteer who will be there to help set up, chat to and support participants and help clear away afterwards.

Tuesdays, 9.30am-12.45pm and/or Thursdays 1pm-4.15pm 

More information: Creative Arts Programme Volunteer_Open Studio Support Role Description


Men’s Makers Support

Men’s Makers is a social session for men to come and develop their making skills. 

We are looking for a volunteer who identifies as male, to help set up, support the lead artist to run the sessions and serve up a meal.

Wednesdays, 10am – 2.00pm

More information: Creative Arts Programme Volunteer_Men’s Makers Support Role Description


To apply for either role or for further information please contact WHALE Arts: 

Email: volunteercoordinator@whalearts.co.uk 

Phone: 0131 458 3267 

Filed Under: News, Vacancies Tagged With: Edinburgh, vacanc9ies, Volunteering, Wester Hailes, WHALE Arts

Community Café Volunteer (Barista) Opportunity 

12/12/2024 By Whale Arts

WHALE Pod Cafe Open with people sitting enjoying different hot drinks and food
Volunteer Role:  Barista 
Volunteer Link Worker: Pod Café Project Lead & Head of Operations 
Location: WHALE Arts Centre, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA 
Hours of Volunteering (6h): Tuesdays, 9am-3pm, (January 2025)  
Minimum Requirement: 1 shift per week 

The Pod Café is a vibrant community café located within WHALE Arts, a community arts centre in the heart of Wester Hailes. After re-opening in August, we are now looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us make the café a warm, welcoming space for everyone in the local area. As a café volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of our community space, helping to prepare food and hot drinks, and providing a welcoming experience for our customers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, and barista skills, all while being part of a friendly and dedicated team. 

The café is currently open every Tuesday from 10.30am to 2pm, with the shift giving time either side for set up and clear up. We are open and flexible for the role to be shared between different people who may want to split the shift or work alternative weeks.  

Requirements: 

  • A friendly and engaging personality with good communication skills. 
  • Good time management and commitment to the role. 
  • Being comfortable working with members of the public and being able to provide good customer service. 
  • Interest in food and communities.  
  • Complying with Health & Safety standards, strict hygiene procedures, and food safety laws (training will be provided). 
  • Minimum age 16 

Duties 

  • Providing friendly and efficient service, including taking orders, processing payments, and serving food and drinks. 
  • Assisting with food and drink preparation, including making coffees and other beverages. 
  • Maintaining cleanliness in the café, including washing up, clearing tables, and general cleaning tasks. 
  • Supporting with stock rotation and other kitchen-related tasks. 

Training 

  • Full training for this role and an induction into the organisation will be given. 
  • Barista training. 
  • Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate training will be paid for by the organisation to fulfil the role. 
  • This is a good opportunity to gain experience in the catering industry within a supportive environment. 

Expenses  

All volunteers are entitled to claim reasonably incurred travel expenses, whilst carrying out their role. Lunch is provided from the café. 

Boundaries of Role:   To work within WHALE Arts policies and procedure for GDPR and confidentiality. 

To apply for the role or for further information please contact WHALE Arts: 

Email: thepod@whalearts.co.uk

Phone: 0131 458 3267 

Filed Under: Vacancies Tagged With: recruitment, Volunteering

WHALE Arts is …

... the cultural anchor organisation for Wester Hailes. We are a community-led arts charity and social enterprise, set up by local people in 1992. Our mission is to be the creative heart of a vibrant, thriving community.

WHALE Arts

30 Westburn Grove,
Edinburgh,
EH14 2SA
0131 458 3267
info@whalearts.co.uk

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Vacancy: Marketing and Communications Lead

We are seeking a creative, well organised self-starter to develop and deliver engaging content communicating the impact of our work and connecting us to our community, partners, artists and funders. PermanentPart-Time – 14 hours a week£26,326 pro-rataBased at WHALE Arts Centre, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, EH14 2SA WHALE Arts is a community-led arts charity and social […]

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WHALE Arts Agency is a company limited by guarantee (SC180118) with charitable status (SC020305). Copyright © 2025