COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING TEAM, B2

The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government responsible for the administration of fees, bursaries and loans to Scotland’s higher education students, providing advice and guidance to students and stakeholders across the education sector and wider public.

We have an exciting Communications and Marketing Manager vacancy. This post is a 14-month TP backfill (for maternity leave) based in Saughton House. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and delivering our internal and external communication strategies. It ensures all messaging, activity, and channels align with organisational priorities while fostering strong partnerships to maximise reach.

The role involves monitoring industry and social trends to ensure communications resonate with our diverse audiences and procuring appropriate media to support marketing campaigns, using professional insight to identify and select the most effective channels across digital, press, and stakeholder communications. The post holder will baseline, monitor, and evaluate campaign performance throughout the year, presenting insights and analysis to the Executive Team annually. This ensures continuous improvement, strong return on investment, and value for money.

Reporting to the Head of Communications, the post holder will be a brand advocate for SAAS, ensuring our internal and external audiences are kept informed on key brand messaging throughout the year, forging strategic relationships with internal and external partners. Supporting the internal and corporate comms role across the Agency, the post holder will work closely with all business areas, overseeing internal, corporate, and marketing communications, overseeing planning and output, including line management responsibilities for one member of staff.

The post holder will help to drive employee behaviours and actions that create desired business outcomes, working closely with our Chief Executive and Directors to help identify the goals and strategic aspirations for future internal planning within the organisation.

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive communications plans across the agency for both business-as-usual and project-based initiatives.
• Analyse trends and patterns to identify issues or pain points, initiating actions and consulting with wider teams as needed.
• Select and optimise communication channels to maximise engagement, monitoring activities to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, building trust with partners and students, gathering insights, and setting priorities.
• Drive the development of internal and external communication strategies, ensuring deliverables meet business needs, deliver ROI, and strengthen messaging through sector partnerships.
• Plan and execute the annual PR & Marketing campaign, including research, delivery, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with internal teams across SAAS to create high-impact social media assets, including videos, graphics, and infographics for priority campaigns.
• Engage with stakeholders across the higher education sector to identify collaborative opportunities that enhance brand awareness.
• Social Media Manager, overseeing all SAAS channels (X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn) and delivering engaging, audience-focused content.
• Create in-house video content, including planning, filming, and editing short-form content for multiple platforms.
• Maintain a professional understanding of social media platforms, algorithms, SEO, advertising, and industry trends to maximise ROI.
• Help to co-ordinate press enquiries as required.

How to Apply: Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 12:00pm on Friday 13th March.

Selection Process: All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.