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- Tasks: Lead innovative communications projects and engage diverse audiences across Scotland.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, a leader in cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through strategic communications and creative campaigns.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, strong writing skills, and media handling expertise.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Starting salary: £40,158
Contract type: Fixed term contract for 9 months with the possibility of extension
Grade: 4
Location: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH (with hybrid working if applicable)
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person on Week Commencing 10 November 2025
We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic communications professional to join our External Communications team. As Senior Communications Officer, you will play a key role in delivering innovative and effective communications projects and activities that support our strategic narrative and engage diverse audiences across Scotland and beyond.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland:
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme (28% employer contribution)
- 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years)
- 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work-related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as senior day-to-day contact for allocated business areas/projects.
- Develop and deliver strategic communications plans and activities.
- Create and manage proactive media content aligned to our corporate narrative.
- Handle reactive media enquiries and provide senior counsel on reputational issues.
- Research and write press releases, features and briefing materials.
- Organise press briefings, photo calls and media events.
- Advise on social media content and messaging for key issues.
- Participate in creative campaign planning and cross-directorate coordination.
- Operate as first point of contact for out-of-hours communications support (on-call rota).
- Line manage Communications Officers and deputise for the Communications Manager as required.
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1200 words) using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Essential:
- Recent experience in a communications environment.
- Proven ability to lead and deliver successful communications campaigns.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
- Experience in handling media enquiries and managing reputational issues.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Strategic understanding of stakeholder media and online communications.
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or support of our Gaelic Language Plan; we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email or call our Head Office and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process; therefore, you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
To submit your application online, please read our How to Apply followed by the Apply Now button to begin your application.
Senior Communications Officer in Edinburgh employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Contact Detail:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their recent projects, values, and any news related to them. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or join relevant groups. Building connections can give you insider info and even lead to referrals, which can be a game-changer in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions and rehearse your answers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, especially when discussing your past experiences in communications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the job description. Highlight how your experience aligns with the essential and desirable criteria, using real-life examples. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Communications Officer, strong written communication is key. Use clear, concise language in your application. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your personality shines through – we want to see the real you!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to the details! Ensure your application is free from typos and errors. Organise your thoughts logically, especially when addressing the criteria. A well-structured application shows us you can manage multiple priorities effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you access to all the info you need about the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their strategic narrative and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute as a Senior Communications Officer.
✨Craft Your Examples
Prepare specific examples that showcase your recent experience in communications. Think of successful campaigns you've led or media enquiries you've handled. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse common interview questions related to communications, such as how you manage multiple priorities or handle reputational issues. Practising with a friend or in front of a mirror can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about their current communication strategies or how they measure the success of their campaigns. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic understanding!