At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications and storytelling for the Church of Scotland.
- Company: Join a respected institution at the heart of Scottish life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and a chance to shape public perception.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how the Church connects with its community.
- Qualifications: Five years in communications, strong media knowledge, and excellent writing skills.
- Other info: A unique role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced communications professional who thrives on fast-paced media work, connecting colleagues internally, and meaningful storytelling? The Church of Scotland is seeking a Senior Communications Officer to support the Head of Communications in delivering high-quality internal and external communications, protecting the Church’s reputation, promoting its mission and connecting with audiences in Scotland and beyond. You’ll play a senior role in shaping how the Church communicates with the public, media and its own people. This includes proactive media relations, crisis communications, digital content creation and strategic internal communications.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing expert media and communications advice to Church leaders, staff, presbyteries and congregations
- Identifying and generating compelling news stories and features
- Managing sensitive issues and contributing to crisis communications
- Responding to requests from journalists and media stakeholders, including as part of out of hours rota
- Creating and coordinating content for corporate social media channels
- Producing high-quality multimedia content using the latest technologies
- Coaching colleagues and Church personnel in media engagement and best practice
- Supporting communications around the General Assembly
- Using analytics to inform and improve communications activity
- Supporting the development of effective internal communications across the Church
You’ll bring:
- At least five years’ professional experience in communications, journalism or press office work
- Strong news sense and a thorough understanding of the Scottish media landscape
- Proven crisis communications experience and knowledge of media law
- Excellent writing, digital and organisational skills
- Confidence working at pace, under pressure and with senior stakeholders
- A genuine interest in the work and mission of the Church of Scotland
This is a unique opportunity to use your communications expertise in a senior, influential role with real purpose — supporting a national Church at the heart of Scottish life.
Senior Communications Officer (maternity cover) in Edinburgh employer: The Church Of Scotland
Contact Detail:
The Church Of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer (maternity cover) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the communications field, especially those who have experience with organisations similar to the Church of Scotland. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in media relations and crisis communications. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share examples that demonstrate your impact and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events and trends in the Scottish media landscape. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the mission of the Church of Scotland.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer (maternity cover) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in communications, especially in areas like media relations and crisis management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Communications Officer!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since storytelling is key for this position, include examples of how you've crafted compelling narratives in your previous roles. We love seeing how you can connect with audiences through your writing!
Highlight Your Media Savvy: Demonstrate your understanding of the Scottish media landscape and any relevant experience you have. Mention specific media outlets or journalists you've worked with, as this will show us you're ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church Of Scotland
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Church of Scotland and its mission. Understand their values and how they communicate with their audience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Senior Communications Officer, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully crafted compelling narratives in past roles. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns or projects where your communication skills made a significant impact.
✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios
Given the importance of crisis communications in this role, think about potential scenarios that could arise within the Church context. Prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations, demonstrating your experience and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Digital Content Creation
Since digital content is a big part of the job, be prepared to talk about your experience with multimedia content creation. Bring examples of your work, and if possible, share insights on how you've used analytics to improve engagement in previous roles.