At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape digital output and engage with media to amplify our message.
- Company: Join the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group at the heart of Scottish politics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with a chance to influence public discourse.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Scottish politics through innovative communication strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh
Hours: 35 hours
Salary: £45,000 per annum
An exciting opportunity exists for a highly motivated individual to work for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group in the Scottish Parliament, working as part of the communications team - helping to shape our digital output and support work with print and broadcast media. This post includes proactively working to make sure every intervention matters and is heard by the right audience whether in print, online, or on TV and radio.
Responsibilities
- Act in a supervisory role with oversight of overall media strategy - schedule and plan content - working with colleagues across the policy and digital teams to ensure workstreams are aligned and delivered to a consistent standard
- Identify potential media opportunities and act as media contact
- Writing smart, succinct and engaging copy for social media posts, blogs, press releases and scripts
- Liaising effectively with all sections of the media including political and specialist journalists and spokespeople for external organisations
- Drafting and editing press releases, comment articles, statements, and other materials for print, broadcast or online audiences on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group
- Generating proactive coverage for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group and producing high quality press briefings.
- Monitoring all media outlets and facilitating media bids, keeping the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group briefed and up to date on developments
- Identifying creative and clear ways of communicating policy positions, and responses to national political developments
- Produce materials that effectively convey the SPLP’s aims to the general public
- Support online communications activity for Scottish Labour MSPs and their offices across all social media channels and upskill MSP office staff to lead on their MSPs social media strategy
- Providing advice and support to MSP office staff
Requirements
- Track record of working with the media, able to build relationships with a diverse range of media, contacts, and stakeholders.
- Demonstrable communication skills, able to produce accurate information and draft press releases and other communications to deadlines.
- Good political awareness and knowledge of the Scottish political scene and Scottish media.
- Good knowledge of digital and social media landscapes and experience of using social media to engage with targeted user groups and to develop parliamentary campaigns.
- An eye for detail and a desire to help plan how content lands both digitally and in more traditional media channels
- An interest in how we maximise our audience across social media - including by making use of live video.
- The ability to work under pressure in a fast paced and challenging environment.
- Able to work in a flexible and confidential manner at all times and as part of the team in support of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group.
How to Apply:
For any questions about the role please contact Adele Black at Adele.Black@parliament.scot
Please send your CV and a supporting statement to Adele Black at Adele.Black@parliament.scot. Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered. Be sure to include “Job Application – Senior Press and Digital Officer for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group” in the subject line of your email.
Closing Date: Friday 20th November at 11:59pm.
MSPs are employers in their own right. All MSP staff are required to be security vetted in line with HM Government (HMG) Personnel Security Controls and any employment cannot begin until security clearance has been granted. MSPs will also carry out other pre-employment checks including eligibility to work in the UK, and employment references where applicable.
Senior Press and Digital Officer for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Parliament
As the inaugural Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland, you will be part of a pioneering role that champions the rights and interests of victims and witnesses across the nation. The position offers a competitive salary, a commitment to equality and diversity, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within the criminal justice system. Working in this high-profile capacity allows for professional growth and the chance to influence best practices in support services, all while being backed by the robust framework of the Scottish Parliament.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Press and Digital Officer for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group in Edinburgh
✨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 Scottish Parliament. 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 Scottish Parliament, 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 Scottish Parliament 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 Senior Press and Digital Officer for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group in Edinburgh
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 Scottish Parliament. 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 Scottish Parliament.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Parliament
✨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.
