At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovative communications for cultural and economic regeneration projects.
- Company: Renfrewshire Council, awarded Council of the Year.
- Benefits: Join a high-performing team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Other info: Engage with diverse projects and lead internal communications strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through effective public affairs.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and public affairs at a senior level required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Renfrewshire Council - proud recipient of Council of the Year - is seeking to recruit a highly experienced communications and public affairs professional. The successful applicant will be key to driving the success of the area's ambitious plans for cultural, economic and social regeneration by demonstrating an exceptional ability to develop and deliver innovative and effective communications approaches.
The job will involve working on a wide range of projects including the council's ambitious capital investment programme, including in its learning and cultural estate; the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal; and the Fairer Renfrewshire programme, supporting those most in need.
You will possess extensive experience and a proven track record at a senior level in successfully managing a communications, public relations or public affairs function in a large, complex and fast‑moving organisation. It is essential you have extensive knowledge of the media industry across traditional and digital channels, in depth knowledge of the issues facing local government and its interactions with central government as well as the ability to spot novel and contentious issues in a timely and effective manner and to break down complex issues for public consumption.
You will act as senior advisor to senior members of the council on communications risk and reputation and will be able to demonstrate experience working effectively at a senior level in a political environment with the media at local and national level. You will also lead on the delivery of the council's internal communications and engagement strategy for the council's workforce and ensure the delivery of effective digital communications in an increasingly diverse communications environment.
You must have a degree or professional qualification in a relevant subject and/or ability to evidence equivalent level of knowledge / training / experience required to undertake this role. Demonstrable evidence of fair leadership, presentational, influencing and analytical skills with highly developed writing skills is also essential.
This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Scotland's high‑performing local authorities.
If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post. This post is politically restricted in terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Please note the following dates have been identified for the recruitment process:
- Advert Closes: Sunday 15 February 2026
- Assessment Centre: Thursday 5 March 2026
- Interview Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager in Paisley employer: Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council is an exceptional employer, recognised as Council of the Year, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, with opportunities to engage in impactful projects that drive cultural, economic, and social regeneration in the community. The council's inclusive culture and focus on effective communication ensure that staff are valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager in Paisley
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Renfrewshire Council. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Renfrewshire Council, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Renfrewshire Council inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Renfrewshire Council. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Renfrewshire Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Renfrewshire Council
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
