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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PR strategies, manage publications, and engage with media to amplify Scottish farming's voice.
- Company: Join NFU Scotland, representing 9,000 farmers and rural businesses, advocating for sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 38 days holiday, life assurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while working with a passionate team dedicated to change.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in communications, a relevant degree, and strong media campaign experience required.
- Other info: Based in Ingliston, with travel across Scotland; a driving license is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us
Representing some 9,000 farmers, crofters, and other rural businesses across the country, NFU Scotland’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of its members by influencing government and the supply chain to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. We are now looking for a skilled Communications Manager (PR & Publications) to join our widely respected Communications Team - someone who can lead our publications and media output, strengthen our profile and help make Scottish farming’s voice heard where it matters most.
The Role
As Communications Manager, you will play a central role in delivering NFUS’s PR and media strategy, with a particular focus on publications and proactive media relations that support campaign activity, policy influence and commercial priorities. You will also take full editorial responsibility for our flagship monthly member magazine, Scottish Farming Leader, helping shape how we inform, inspire and engage our members.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and evolve NFUS’s PR and media plan in collaboration with the Director of Communications.
- Edit, produce and manage Scottish Farming Leader.
- Deliver compelling, timely press releases and thought leadership.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and act as a media liaison.
- React to breaking news and brief key spokespeople for media opportunities.
- Monitor coverage and ensure NFUS narratives are visible and accurate.
- Identify opportunities for collaborative PR with industry partners and stakeholders.
Person Specification:
Qualifications and experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior communications, media or editorial role.
- A degree in communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent experience.
- Proven success in leading media campaigns that influence public or political discourse.
Skills and knowledge:
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing a regular publication and editorial content.
- Proven ability to lead media campaigns and respond effectively to news cycles.
- Strong political awareness and understanding of how PR supports lobbying goals.
- Interest or experience in agriculture, rural affairs or membership organisations is an advantage.
Personal Qualities:
- Proactive and self-motivated.
- Adaptable and resilient under pressure.
- Collaborative team player who builds strong internal and external relationships.
- Upholds NFUS values: helpful, ambitious, respectful, team-oriented, and honest.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the agricultural sector. Opportunity to influence public policy and represent the interests of farmers, growers and crofters.
What are we offering?
- Annual salary of £35,000 - £40,000 commensurate with demonstrable knowledge, competence and experience.
- Full-time permanent contract (35 hours per week).
- Hybrid working.
- 38-day holiday entitlement per year (including Bank Holidays).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Life Assurance (3 years' annual salary).
- 10% Employer-contributed pension.
- Free onsite parking.
- Membership to NFU Scotland, giving access to a range of discounts.
You will be based in NFU Scotland’s Head Office in Ingliston (near Edinburgh Airport), with some travel throughout Scotland and the UK and occasionally beyond. A current driver’s license is essential for this role.
We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. We’ll support you by providing you with learning and development opportunities and building a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments.
How to Apply
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible with a cover letter and CV. If we decide we have found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy and close applications before the closing date on Sunday, 1 June 2025. The interview process will start the following week.
Communications Manager (PR & Publications) employer: NFU SCOTLAND
Contact Detail:
NFU SCOTLAND Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager (PR & Publications)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with NFU Scotland's mission and values. Understanding their focus on promoting and protecting the interests of farmers will help you align your communication strategies with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural and PR sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends, which can be beneficial for discussions during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of successful media campaigns you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate to the role at NFU Scotland, particularly in relation to influencing public or political discourse.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues affecting Scottish agriculture. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the sector and its challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager (PR & Publications)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in communications, media, and editorial roles, and demonstrate how you can contribute to NFU Scotland's mission.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, emphasise your 5+ years of experience in senior communications roles. Include specific examples of successful media campaigns you've led, particularly those that influenced public or political discourse, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Provide examples of publications you have managed or edited, and any press releases or thought leadership pieces you have produced that align with the responsibilities of the Communications Manager.
Research NFU Scotland: Familiarise yourself with NFU Scotland’s values, mission, and current initiatives. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your application but also prepare you for potential interview questions about how you can support their goals in the agricultural sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFU SCOTLAND
✨Know Your Audience
Understand the mission and values of NFU Scotland. Familiarise yourself with their current campaigns and publications, especially the Scottish Farming Leader. This will help you tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your success in leading media campaigns and managing publications. Highlight any relevant experience in agriculture or rural affairs to make your application stand out.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Communications Manager, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing. Consider preparing a brief press release or editorial piece as a demonstration of your skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle breaking news or manage media relations under pressure. Think through potential scenarios related to agricultural issues and be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining NFUS’s narrative and relationships with journalists.
