At a Glance
- Tasks: Uncover and tell inspiring stories about Scotland's animals to drive action and awareness.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, champions of animal welfare since 1839.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,774.20, hybrid work, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be the voice for animals in need and create impactful content that resonates.
- Qualifications: Experience in journalism or content creation, with a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Use the power of a great story to make a difference for Scotland’s animals.
We’re looking for a
Brand Journalist to uncover and tell the stories that only the Scottish SPCA can tell, creating authentic content that inspires action and brings people closer to our work.
If this sounds like the role for you, please read on for more information.
- Location: Hybrid - HQ, Dunfermline and home (with regular travel across Scotland)
- About the Scottish SPCA
Since 1839 the Scottish SPCA has existed for one reason – to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home.
We rescue, protect and lead the conversation on animal welfare.
We are Scotland’s animal champions.
You can watch a short video on our journey by clicking the link below
Our Brand Journalist powers our storytelling engine, finding, capturing and telling the rescue, rehabilitation and prevention stories that only the Scottish SPCA can tell, in our own voice.
This role builds a steady flow of authentic, owned content that brings our work to life and helps people understand the difference the Scottish SPCA makes every day.
From supporter stories and fundraising campaigns to media content and internal communications, you’ll know how to shape a story for different audiences and channels.
Part reporter, part content creator, the Brand Journalist gets close to the work – at centres, on the road and in communities – and turns real stories into content that moves people to act, prompts new supporters to give and keeps existing ones close.
You’ll need the curiosity to find the story, the creativity to tell it brilliantly and the judgement to know when a story needs to be handled with particular care and sensitivity.
- Overview of main duties and responsibilities
- Story Sourcing & Reporting
- Find and develop real stories from across the charity's work in rescue, rehabilitation and prevention.
- Build trusted relationships with frontline colleagues to surface stories sensitively and ethically.
- Identify opportunities for compelling stories and ensure they reflect the breadth and impact of the Scottish SPCA's work.
- Content Creation
- Write and produce compelling multi-format content, including articles, interviews, scripts, social and web copy.
- Capture or coordinate photography and video to bring stories to life.
- Adapt stories and content for different audiences and channels while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
- Owned-Content Engine
- Build a reliable pipeline of owned content that cuts reliance on paid media and agencies.
- Feed stories to media, campaigns and fundraising to support awareness and income.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Marketing & Communications to maximise the reach and impact of stories.
- Brand & Ethics
- Tell stories in our own brand voice, always with care for the people and animals involved.
- Ensure content is accurate, authentic, sensitive and ethically produced.
- Handle sensitive stories and subject matter with appropriate discretion and professional judgement.
- Internal Communications
- Support internal communications that keep colleagues and volunteers informed and engaged.
- Help share stories that celebrate the work of colleagues and volunteers across the organisation.
- Team Working
- Work closely with the Communications Manager and wider Marketing & Communications team to develop and deliver the Scottish SPCA's storytelling strategy.
- This is a small, focused and efficient team, where everyone plays an important role, works collaboratively and takes ownership of delivering high-quality storytelling and content.
What makes a good Brand Journalist?
We welcome applicants who meet the essential criteria and are excited to grow into the rest.
Education & Qualifications
- Educated to a good standard, or with equivalent experience.
- A portfolio of published or produced content, including writing, video or multimedia.
- Qualification in journalism, communications or media.
Experience & Job Knowledge
- Experience of journalism, content creation or storytelling for an audience.
- Experience of writing and producing across formats.
- Experience of photography or video capture and editing.
- Experience in a cause, campaigning or news environment.
- Job Related Skills / Competencies
- Outstanding storytelling and writing, with a strong news and human-interest sense.
- Able to work sensitively with people and difficult subject matter.
- Self-starting, able to find stories and turn them around quickly.
- Multimedia production skills, including photography, video and audio.
- Personal Attributes
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and a real commitment to our purpose to rescue, protect and lead.
- A warm, collaborative colleague who builds trust and brings people with them.
- Resilient and calm under pressure, with sound judgement in sensitive or high-profile situations.
- Curious and open to learning, comfortable with change and always looking to improve.
- High personal integrity, discretion and a strong sense of accountability for their work.
- A natural storyteller with warmth, curiosity and integrity.
- A supporter-first mindset, always asking how a decision feels from the other side.
- Comfortable using data and evidence to shape decisions and tell a story.
- Additional Relevant Criteria
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work travel.
Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role.
We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised.
Early application submissions are highly recommended.
This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.
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Brand Journalist in Dunfermline employer: SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
The Scottish SPCA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to animal welfare while working in a supportive and flexible environment at our Dunfermline headquarters. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide access to professional development and training, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making Scotland the best place for animals, where your work will have a meaningful impact on the lives of countless creatures and the community.
Contact Details:
SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Brand Journalist in Dunfermline
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We think you need these skills to ace Brand Journalist in Dunfermline
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
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Tailor Your Application for SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS:When applying for the Brand Journalist role at SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.