Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to care for and invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities, and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.
Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team – we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a full range of activities from boating, paddling, walking, and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener, and more resilient Scotland.
As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Corporate Communications Officer to join our Communications team in Glasgow, Scotland. You will help Scottish Canals achieve its vision through effective external and internal communications, crisis management, public affairs and reputation management. The role will have a focus on delivering effective communications linked to our Capital Works Programme 24/25 and 25/26.
The role is offered on a two-year fixed term basis and attracts a salary of £30,069 per year (Band C) pro-rata. Working 22.5 hours per week, Monday-Wednesday.
Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays pro-rata, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
Primary responsibilities of the role:
Work across the organisation to develop and implement complex stakeholder engagement campaigns across our Capital Works Programmes (2024-2025 and 2025-2026) to secure support for Scottish Canals among a diverse range of audiences.
Support in the communication of internal communications in relation to our Capital Works Programmes and other organisational priorities.
Support in the delivery of effective crisis management and media engagement to ensure a positive outcome for Scottish Canals.
Identify reputational risks as well as opportunities across the business and develop effective solutions that enhance/protect the organisation’s reputation.
Day to day tasks, including challenging aspects of the job:
Devising and implementing proactive corporate communications strategies.
Designing key messages for Capital Works projects/initiatives and mapping them for each audience.
Prioritising tasks and managing time to be able to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges.
Produce high quality briefings and copy that accurately reflects Scottish Canals’ position via targeted written material that is appropriate to a variety of audiences, from boaters to MSPs and Ministers.
Respond in a timely manner to crisis situations and ensure all internal and external communications is consistent, clear and professional.
Juggling competing demands from all levels within the business to deliver consistent, effective reputation management support.
Identifying stakeholder engagement, media and public affairs opportunities that will help Scottish Canals to meet its vision.
Creating & producing effective content (video/print/broadcast) material for use across digital channels, the media and internal platforms.
Qualifications and knowledge required:
Degree or equivalent communications experience (essential)
Proven track record at a senior level within private/public sector (preferred)
Knowledge of the Scottish political landscape and wider public affairs (preferred)
Excellent media contacts (preferred)
Understanding of the media landscape relevant print, broadcast and online platforms as well as social media.
Technically competent in content creation, editing & introducing new technology (preferred)
Skills and experience required:
Experience of working in a complex political area or within the public sector (preferred)
Experience of video filming/editing & wider content creation (preferred)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel) (essential)
Personal qualities & abilities required:
Excellent written and verbal communicator (essential)
Good leadership skills (essential)
Excellent interpersonal skills (essential)
Ability to manage tasks, multi-task & meet deadlines (essential)
Competent in filming/videoing/editing/content creation (preferred)
Valid driving licence (essential)
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.
