About this role
News teams are on the frontline of the Scottish Government's external communications. Aligned to Cabinet portfolios, they work with Ministers, special advisers, policy officials and colleagues across other communications disciplines.
News teams promote and explain policies and ministerial decisions to the public via news media and social media channels and by working with external partners.
Successful candidates are likely to come from a PR or journalism background and will have a strong interest in, and knowledge of, politics and current affairs. Organised and able to work in a fast-paced and often pressurised environment, they will have strong news judgement and be creative in using different methods to reach diverse audiences.
You will have experience of working strategically at a senior level, leading and managing people to balance workloads and deliver priority work effectively, on time and to a high standard.
This is a permanent posting as a News Team Leader in the Communications Division, based in Edinburgh but working flexibly.
- Leading and managing a team – supporting all team members to thrive by setting clear direction, ensuring meaningful, challenging and rewarding work, and promoting continuous improvement.
- Strategic planning – working with Ministers, policy colleagues and special advisers to maintain a sharp focus on Programme for Government priorities, providing strategic advice, identifying risks and opportunities and overseeing cross-portfolio communications planning.
- Media and news management – work with journalists and key influencers, with the ability to spot potential problems or opportunities and react quickly, ensuring Ministers and officials receive timely and professional advice.
- Social media management – ensure the team is working to a dynamic and creative social media content strategy that takes account of the opportunities and risks of running social media channels.
- Campaigns – working with marketing and insight colleagues to play an active and supportive role in promoting Scottish Government campaigns.
- Out-of-hours cover – participate in our News team leader duty rota system providing senior support and advice to duty press officers at weekends and public holidays.
Tired of cold applications?
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Know someone who'd be great for this?