Jobs

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Full time and Permanent
Salary £37,105 – £41,526 per annum (Band 4)
Plus generous benefits package
Hybrid working

THE OPPORTUNITY

Can you help us to connect more people with Scotland’s world-class collection of art and the stories behind them? This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an organisation that is striving to make art work for everyone.

You will lead the external communications team in order to create engaging PR, social media and associated content which reaches our target audiences and drives footfall, ticket sales and brand awareness. Working with the Head of Marketing and Communications, you will lead the development of integrated communications plans for exhibitions and projects. The remit covers the whole range of NGS activities including our permanent collection, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes, publications, curatorial research, conservation work and events.

This is undertaken in partnership with many external agencies and by collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. The team has close links with audiences, the collections, exhibitions, marketing, digital and publications.

In order to promote the Galleries in an effective and creative way, the External Communications Manager must gain:
• a full understanding of the Galleries audiences and policies
• a sound knowledge of the collections, exhibition schedules and other projects and activities which may be of interest to Gallery visitors.

Your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver the objectives of the NGS Marketing and Communications Department.
• Devising and implementing a strategic and creative communications and content plan and accompanying editorial calendar, in conjunction with the Marketing Manager, which reaches our target audiences and drives footfall, ticket sales and brand awareness. This will promote all aspects of National Galleries activities, including our permanent collection, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes, publications, curatorial research, conservation work and events.
• Leading the development and day to day running of NGS’s social media channels, ensuring that the content is in line with the NGS brand strategy.
• Ensuring there is an effective and efficient Press Office function, including timely responses to enquiries, proactive management of sensitive issues and co-ordination of media photography, recording and filming across NGS.
• Leading corporate communications activities, including capital projects at the Scottish National Gallery and The Art Works at Granton.
• Establishing and nurturing relationships with a wide range of audience-focused media and social media outlets and individuals to create opportunities for content and PR. This includes mainstream online and print publications, broadcast media, digital channels including influencers, specialist art and trade publications.
• Line management of one Communications Officer, one Marketing and Communications Officer (Scottish National Gallery project) and one Social Media Officer, and shared lined management of a Marketing and Communications Officer, ensuring staff development and co-ordination of team activities.
• Managing the resources of the team including financial planning and budgeting.
• Ensuring that main tools and processes, such as media monitoring and distribution, continue to be fit for purpose, are being used to the best advantage and represent good value.
• Providing regular reporting on media and social media activities.
• Collaborating with partners such as Duff House, Paxton House, Tate, Art Fund and Creative Scotland to provide support and advice.
• In conjunction with the Directorate staff, managing NGS Freedom of Information requests from journalists.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The following range of knowledge skills and experience are required. Please ensure these are reflected in your application. Short listing for interview will be based on meeting these requirements.

Essential

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent qualification and practical experience
• Creative and proactive individual with a proven track record of generating PR and social engagement.
• Excellent content creation skills and experience eg. copywriting, film, graphics and/or audio.
• Experience of running and developing an organisation’s social media channels to build a brand in line with strategic aims.
• Media and social media contacts and relationships
• Experience of advising on and dealing with sensitive issues
• Experience of working in collaboration with marketing colleagues, internal communications, external agencies and other stakeholders
• Experienced line manager with a commitment to coaching and developing staff.
• Excellent organisational skills with a proven track record of pro-actively delivering ideas, content and projects on time
• Ability to make informed, sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrable commitment to continual personal development

Desirable

• Visual arts appreciation.
• Familiarity with museums and galleries sector.
• Knowledge of copyright

ABOUT US

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) is home to one of the world’s finest collections of art, which ranges from the Middle Ages to the present day. Our spectacular buildings house the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art, and a world-renowned collection of Scottish and international photography, welcoming many visitors to our three principal sites in Edinburgh: the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The National Galleries of Scotland aims to preserve, display and augment the collections for the enjoyment and education of the widest possible public and to maintain NGS as a centre of excellence.

This is an exciting period of renewal for NGS, as we move forward with our engaging strategic vision that puts our audience at the heart of what we do. We’re making it our mission to broaden our impact, matching our rich collections, expertise and creativity to the needs and wants of our visitors. We’re finding new ways to connect with more people, and creating an innovative, inclusive organisation that can meet the challenges of our ever-evolving world.

‘Art for Scotland: Inspiration for the world’ is Our Vision. Inclusive, original and ambitious – we will make the national collection accessible to all and inspire curiosity across the world.

At NGS we are committed to looking at how we operate as well as how we engage with our visitors and communities. We want to play our part in tackling the Climate Emergency. We will ensure Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is embedded across our organisation, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging and can be themselves.

WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURN

Salary: £37,105 – £41,526 per annum (2021-22 pay structure)

Starting salaries will normally be at the minimum or at a rate that reflects qualifications and/or experience which are of special value for the post and which are above minimum entry requirements.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: The Gallery of Modern Art One, Belford Road, Edinburgh.
The successful candidate will have the option of working flexibly; a mixture of onsite and home working.

Annual Leave 25 days per annum (this moves to 30 days after 5 years continual service) plus 11.5 public and privilege holidays per annum.

Pension Civil Service pension provisions enables the National Galleries of Scotland to offer a choice of occupational and stakeholder pensions, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Please note the closing date for applications is Monday 19 September 2022

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to Basic Disclosure Scotland security clearance.

National Galleries of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (No. SC003728)

Application Deadline: Monday 19/09/2022