At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting communications projects and develop innovative strategies for public sector pensions.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's dynamic SPPA team focused on impactful communication.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic communication experience and ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
- Other info: Fixed term role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Strategic Communications Manager role at The Scottish Government
The Scottish Government provided pay range is based on your skills and experience. The SPPA is an Agency of the Scottish Government which is responsible for administering four major public sector pensions schemes – police, fire, NHS and Teachers – for over 600,000 members.
Job Overview
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity to join a busy and innovative Communications team? The Strategic Communications Manager role sits within the SPPA Communications team which is part of the Strategy, Governance and Communications division.
Please note this is a Fixed Term Appointment of 23 months.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the development and successful delivery of a range of communications projects to support the SPPA Communication Strategy.
- Develop and implement an effective approach to long-term external communications planning which integrates with internal SPPA communications.
- Supporting and developing wider team members in the consistent approach to external and internal communications planning and campaign delivery.
- Conduct a comprehensive social content review and lead on work informed by the findings.
- Work closely with the website team and Senior Content Designer to complete the next phase of a website content review project.
- Work closely with the Employer/Stakeholder Engagement function to further develop and grow its work across a range of different stakeholder organisations.
- Be a key part of the Communications and Engagement Team, providing a leadership role and collaborating effectively to build confidence in the core work delivered by the team.
- This role will have line management responsibility.
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience
- Lead Criterion – Strong experience of working at a strategic level in a busy, comms focused environment, often in a leadership capacity.
- Experience of developing and delivering digital strategies to direct and drive the approach to social content platforms and development, and website management.
- Strong experience of building positive and constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
- Seeing the Big Picture – Level 3
- Making Effective Decisions – Level 3
You can find out more about Success Profile Behaviours on our website.
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
About Us
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland for over 500,000 key workers.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on site at SPPA.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further Information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Apply Before: 6 October 2025 (23:59)
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Strategic Communications Manager employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Scottish Government on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the SPPA's recent projects and initiatives. We want to see that you're genuinely interested in their work and have ideas on how to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Strategic Communications Manager, you'll need to impress with your ability to convey ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Communications Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase how your experience aligns with the Success Profile. Be specific and give examples of your achievements in communications and stakeholder engagement.
Keep It Concise: Remember, you have a 1000-word limit for your supporting statement. Be clear and concise while making your points. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the heart of your message quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into The Scottish Government's communications strategy and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to stakeholder engagement and digital strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Strategic Communications Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can support and develop team members in their communications efforts.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Understand the core mission of the SPPA and how it impacts the community. Be prepared to discuss how your communication strategies can enhance their public image and stakeholder relationships. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their work.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to communicate, influence, and make effective decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly articulate your experiences and how they relate to the success profile behaviours.