Jobs

We are seeking an experienced communications professional to join our busy Marketing & Communications team at Scottish Canals. The successful applicant will be Corporate Communications Manager covering proactive and reactive media, strategic communications, internal communications, and stakeholder engagement.

The successful applicant for this role will be a media professional with a corporate communications background who may also have experience of public affairs. The candidate will be able to demonstrate first class strategic thinking and planning skills, you will be an excellent communicator and public speaker, skilled in producing content, dealing with the media and able to convey complex information in a meaningful way to different audiences. You will also have excellent organisational skills and ability to work under pressure, you are expected to be able to work autonomously – with the support of a Communications Officer – and as part of a team             to deliver strategic communications including providing advice and insight to senior leaders. Strong writing and editing skills are essential for this role.

This is a specialist post that requires extensive corporate communications experience. A degree in communications or equivalent experience is essential.

We are offering a salary of circa £39,000 dependant on experience for this role. Scottish Canals also offers a generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days rising to 39 after 5 years (inc. public holidays), along with enhanced company sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, and a contributory pension scheme with up to a 10% employer contribution.

Responsibilities:

Leading on or contributing to the development and implementation of an effective Communications Strategy
Media relations
Digital marketing tactics
Help identify and co-ordinate important relationships for Scottish Canals and with elected representatives and funders in particular
Ensure SC positions are reflected accurately to elected representatives with a focus on the Scottish Parliament to whom we are accountable
Increase visibility of Scottish Canals positioning the organisation as experts and thought leaders to influence policy makers and opinion makers
Stakeholder mapping and database management. Develop a cross stakeholder engagement plan and control related timelines, budgets and activities
Across all – measure and strive to improve engagement; constantly challenge channels and content seeking smarter/ more engaging ways to communicate
Develop and lead on our internal communications strategy
Line management responsibility
Advise senior colleagues of developments throughout the organisation – be their eyes and ears on internal communications
Manage external agencies, including media monitoring services, website maintenance, print & design, entertainment companies, videography and photography contractors
Participate in the on-call duty along with other colleagues.
Key Tasks:

Produce a range of effective, quality content which promotes and increases the visibility of Scottish Canals, internally and externally
Ensure the delivery of consistent, effective messaging which promotes Scottish Canals across a variety of platforms, using storytelling in a way that appeals to broad audiences
Oversee and quality assure all internal and external communications
Oversee production of corporate documents
Prepare high quality briefings on topical issues for the executive team
Contribute to the production of tender documents and award submissions.
Produce communications which deliver against our Communications Strategy, including overseeing the delivery of high-impact campaigns, ensuring that they are suitable for and accessible to a range of audiences, across a number of channels
Develop and maintain our digital presence ensuring that it aligns with Scottish Canals identity, brand, and values
Facilitate effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders to maintain positive relations
Co-ordinate media engagement including delivering proactive media activity, such as writing press releases
Assist the Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing with crisis communications and reputational risk management
Work with the Communications Officer to plan, shoot and edit videos and vlogs for the website and social media
Facilitate participation at external events including sector and business awards
Work with internal teams to ensure that key activities and messages are aligned to our brand and values, advising on, and co-creating communications, and evaluating the effectiveness of these
Develop digital activities across web, email, and social media, analysing their effectiveness and providing evidence for recommended development and improvement
Creating engaging multi-channel communications plans which offer value for money, use insight and deliver high impact
Supporting Ministerial and key stakeholder visits including media interview bids and managing reactive enquiries (including on call responsibility)
Provide credible and authoritative communications advice and support to colleagues, including senior leaders
Parliamentary monitoring (e.g. committee programmes, cross party groups etc.) to identify opportunities and ensure appropriate and targeted communications.
Skills required:

Working with others: The ability to work collaboratively with others (both internally and externally) in order to achieve goals, and successfully build trust and positive rapport with the wider stakeholder community
Outstanding communication skills: The ability to communicate verbally and in written form with a wide range of individuals and bodies, providing clear and consistent information
Critical thinking: Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to exercise good judgment and solve problems quickly and effectively
Excellent attention to detail: Achieve thoroughness and accuracy when completing tasks
Workload management and prioritisation: Plan a varied workload to meet deadlines and work creatively within processes and standards.

Interviews for this role are expected to take place W/C 29th August & 5th September.

Application Deadline: Monday 29/08/2022