At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and public affairs to amplify our voice in family support.
- Company: Award-winning charity dedicated to supporting disabled children and families.
- Benefits: Join a passionate team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an executive team shaping impactful support models.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Senior communications experience and proven media relations skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About The Yard
The Yard is an award-winning charity delivering place-based family support across Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Fife to more than 3,700 disabled children and young people and their families.
About the role
We are seeking a Head of Communications to lead our communications, public affairs and profile work to make the organisation the unmistakable voice on place-based, whole-family support. You will be part of our executive team and responsible for making decisions that impact the whole organisation and shape how family support models are understood and adopted across Scotland.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing a 12–18-month communications and public affairs strategy that positions The Yard as a sector leader.
- Leading with a media-first approach to secure high-value national and regional media coverage.
- Building relationships with policy teams, sector bodies and strategic partners.
- Overseeing content strategy for our website, socials and newsletters to ensure consistent, evidence-led messaging and audience growth.
About you
Our culture is central to our success, and the successful applicant will need to lead and manage in line with our values. This job is for you if you have:
- Senior communications experience with a strong track record in media relations, campaign delivery and public affairs.
- Proven success securing national media coverage and managing broadcast interviews.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong strategic thinking, project management and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience of leading and developing a small team.
If you are inspired by our ethos and excited to bring your knowledge and experience to a team that is highly committed to our purpose, we would love to have you on board.
Head of Communications in Edinburgh employer: The Yard
The Yard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in supporting disabled children and their families across Scotland. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and leadership within a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in a role where your expertise will shape the future of family support, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, and Fife.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those connected to The Yard. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your media skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best media coverage and campaigns. When you get the chance to chat with us, share specific examples of how you've secured high-value media attention in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss strategy! We want to hear your ideas on how to position The Yard as a leader in family support. Think about innovative approaches and be prepared to share your vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Communications role. Highlight your media relations and public affairs experience, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've secured media coverage or led successful campaigns. We want to see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a culture that aligns with our ethos, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for family support and how it resonates with you.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Yard
✨Know The Yard Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research The Yard thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in delivering family support. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Since the role requires a strong media-first approach, prepare examples of your past successes in securing media coverage. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've led, the strategies you employed, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your capability to elevate The Yard's profile.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would develop a 12–18-month communications strategy for The Yard. Be prepared to share your ideas on positioning the organisation as a sector leader. This shows that you can think ahead and align your vision with their goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building relationships with policy teams and strategic partners. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these relationships at The Yard. This will illustrate your understanding of stakeholder management and your ability to collaborate effectively.
