At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft engaging stories and manage impactful media campaigns for Scotland's art galleries.
- Company: Join the National Galleries of Scotland, a vibrant hub for art lovers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by sharing Scotland's incredible art with the world.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and a passion for storytelling are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a creative team with exciting career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 37614 - 41138 £ per year.
Permanent and Part-Time (4 days)
Start date 03 August 2026
Salary £37,614 - £41,138 per annum pro rata
Plus generous benefits package
Hybrid / flexible working
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced communications professional to join us at the National Galleries of Scotland. If you’re skilled in seeking out news, love telling a good story, excel in writing engaging copy and thrive on building relationships, we want to hear from you. This role is perfect for someone who has previous communications experience and is excited by our mission to make art work for everyone. You don’t need to be an art expert. Curiosity, enthusiasm and being proactive matter more than formal art knowledge.
You’ll help us to communicate with visitors and potential visitors to our three Edinburgh galleries - the National, Modern and Portrait. Sharing Scotland’s incredible art collection with audiences locally, nationally and internationally. From major exhibitions, loans and new acquisitions to conservation breakthroughs, publications and community projects.
You will work with colleagues across the organisation as well as in collaboration with external partners such as Edinburgh Art Festival, Scotland+Venice and VisitScotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play an important part in sharing Scotland’s amazing art collection. Shaping stories that will reach millions of people across the world.
The difference you’ll make
The Communications Officer is part of a supportive and creative Marketing and Communications team. Reporting to the Communications Manager, you’ll work closely within a small team of five. Collaborating daily with a fellow Communications Officer, Press and Marketing Officer and Social Media Officer to deliver impactful communications campaigns.
Your duties will include but not be limited to:
- Planning and delivering thoughtful, well-planned earned media campaigns for upcoming exhibitions. From online, broadcast and print to podcasts, YouTube and social media.
- Identifying great stories and photo opportunities and pitching them confidently to global media.
- Building relationships with journalists, content creators and production companies. From tabloids to podcasts to specialist publications.
- Writing engaging copy for press releases, colleague updates and our website.
- Organising events such as press views, influencer partnerships and photocalls to deliver creative and eye-catching content.
- Actively working in a busy press office, responding to enquiries by email, telephone, and social media.
- Providing regular reporting on press activities, including evaluating results and learnings.
- Responding to issues or crisis situations.
- Creating high quality social media content.
- Drafting award submissions.
Who we are looking for
To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:
- Proven experience as a Communications Officer or in a similar role in communications at a similar level.
- Planning and delivering impactful communications campaigns.
- Securing meaningful media coverage and be able to tell us how you did it.
- A creative, enthusiastic and proactive approach to seeking out interesting stories that will appeal to our audience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create and edit audience focused content, such as press releases, website copy, social media posts and internal updates.
- Creating exciting and engaging social media content.
- Strong organisational skills with experience of delivering projects on time.
- Influencing, communicating and working well with other people across departments and as part of a team.
- Staying calm, confident and in control under pressure. Able to work quickly to tight deadlines.
It would also be great if you have:
- Understanding and experience of the culture sector.
- Visual arts awareness.
- Public affairs experience.
- Knowledge of copyright.
- Familiarity with Gaelic language.
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Monday, 13 April 2026.
Communications Officer in Edinburgh employer: National Galleries of Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Galleries of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art and communications sectors, attend events, and engage on social media. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your best stories about past campaigns or projects. Make them see how you can bring their mission to life.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you spot an opportunity to pitch a story or idea related to the role, go for it. This shows your enthusiasm and creativity, which are key for a Communications Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the National Galleries of Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for art and communication shine through. We want to see your excitement about sharing Scotland's incredible art collection and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Copy: Make sure to customise your written application to highlight your relevant experience. Use examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in planning campaigns and securing media coverage, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Remember, you're showcasing your ability to create engaging content, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the National Galleries of Scotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Galleries of Scotland
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the National Galleries of Scotland and their current exhibitions. Understanding their mission and recent projects will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in their work.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully identified and pitched stories in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've worked on and the impact they had, as this will demonstrate your ability to create engaging content.
✨Be Proactive and Enthusiastic
During the interview, express your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role. Share ideas on how you would approach building relationships with journalists and creating compelling social media content that resonates with diverse audiences.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in teams and collaborating with different departments. Discuss how you’ve successfully managed projects under tight deadlines, as this will show that you can thrive in a busy press office environment.