Head of Communications

Head of Communications

Part-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sistema Scotland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead communications to enhance Sistema Scotland's reputation and develop impactful strategies.
  • Company: Join a dynamic charity focused on transforming lives through music across Scotland.
  • Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, part-time hours, and a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while shaping the future of music education.
  • Qualifications: Experience in senior communications roles within charity or public sectors is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Hybrid working between our Big Noise centres and home working (contractual base can be any of our Big Noise centres). Travel to all our Big Noise centres across Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Dundee & Aberdeen) will be required. Sistema Scotland’s vision is to improve lives and strengthen communities. Working with children, young people and their families, we focus on early intervention and stimulating generational social change. By playing music together in ensembles and orchestras, we aim to grow confidence, respect, teamwork and aspiration in the children, young people and communities we work with.

We deliver our work through six Big Noise programmes: in Raploch & Fallin in Stirling, Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen, Douglas in Dundee and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh. As Head of Communications, you will work with the Chief Executive Officer and wider Leadership Team to enhance and protect Sistema Scotland’s reputation as a leading voice within its sector across Scotland. You will also develop and deliver the organisation’s Communications Strategy, alongside mentoring and line managing the Communications & Marketing Team. As part of the Leadership Team, you will also support the smooth running of the organisation and delivery on strategic outcomes.

You will bring experience of working in a senior communications role in the charity or public sector, along with robust knowledge of the Scottish political and funding landscape. Experience of working with and managing successful relationships with multiple partners is also essential, along with knowledge of current issues regarding music education, community development and tackling inequalities in Scotland. This is a part-time (21 hours per week), permanent post.

We believe our people should represent the communities we work with. That’s why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. We also welcome applications from all nationalities; however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for these roles, so before you apply for this post, please ensure that you have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications is Monday 11th May 2026 at 10am. The selection process will be held in Big Noise Wester Hailes in Edinburgh on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 will include a panel interview, a presentation and a short competency task. All successful applicants will be subject to PVG check.

Head of Communications employer: Sistema Scotland

Sistema Scotland is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through music education. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, we offer a supportive work culture that values personal growth and professional development, alongside the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact across various Big Noise centres in Scotland. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration and connection within our passionate team.
Sistema Scotland

Contact Detail:

Sistema Scotland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Communications

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the music education and charity sectors, especially those connected to Sistema Scotland. Attend events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and partners – it’s all about making those connections!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for that panel interview! Brush up on your knowledge of current issues in music education and community development in Scotland. Think about how your experience aligns with Sistema Scotland’s mission and be ready to share specific examples.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to present, let your enthusiasm for improving lives through music shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to community engagement and social change.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to 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 and contributing to our vision.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications

Communications Strategy Development
Mentoring
Line Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Management
Knowledge of Scottish Political Landscape
Understanding of Music Education
Community Development
Addressing Inequalities
Experience in Charity Sector
Public Sector Experience
Team Leadership
Strategic Planning
Crisis Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what we’re all about at Sistema Scotland. Dive into our mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with our vision of improving lives through music.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the Head of Communications role. Highlight your past achievements in communications, especially in the charity or public sector, and how they can benefit us.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can connect with our communities and represent our values. Share your passion for music education and community development in your application – it’ll make you stand out!

Follow Our Process: Remember, no CVs please! Make sure to complete our online application form on our website. It’s super important to follow our guidelines, as this shows us you can pay attention to detail and follow instructions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sistema Scotland

✨Know Your Audience

Before the interview, take some time to research Sistema Scotland and its Big Noise programmes. Understand their mission and values, especially how they aim to improve lives through music. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in senior communications, particularly within the charity or public sector. Highlight any successful partnerships you've managed and how you've navigated the Scottish political and funding landscape.

✨Be Ready for the Panel

Since the selection process includes a panel interview, practice answering questions in a way that engages all members of the panel. Be concise but thorough, and don’t forget to make eye contact with everyone. This shows confidence and respect for their roles.

✨Prepare for the Presentation

You'll need to deliver a presentation as part of the interview process. Make sure to structure it clearly, focusing on how you would develop and deliver the Communications Strategy. Use visuals if possible, and rehearse to ensure you stay within the time limit while covering all key points.

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