At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through strategic communications and creative campaigns.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, strong writing skills, and media handling expertise.
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
At Historic Environment Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and inclusivity. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through opportunities for further education and personal development, alongside a generous benefits package including a Civil Service Pension scheme and flexible working arrangements. Located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, our team enjoys a unique blend of meaningful work and access to Scotland's rich heritage, making it an ideal place for passionate communications professionals to thrive.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer in Edinburgh
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Historic Environment Scotland and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Historic Environment Scotland are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Historic Environment Scotland on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Historic Environment Scotland. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Historic Environment Scotland. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Historic Environment Scotland:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Historic Environment Scotland’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Historic Environment Scotland will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Historic Environment Scotland, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
