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 success.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 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 voice will shape the future of family support, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and mission-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
✨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 the hiring team, share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive on social media! Engage with The Yard’s posts and share relevant content that showcases your expertise in communications. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you get noticed by the team.
✨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 mission to support families across Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
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 senior communications experience and any relevant media relations successes to grab our attention!
Showcase Your Strategy Skills:We want to see your strategic thinking in action! When writing your application, include examples of how you've developed and implemented successful communications strategies in the past. This will help us understand how you can position The Yard as a sector leader.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for family support and how it aligns with our mission at The Yard.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Yard
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into The Yard's mission and values. Understand their work with disabled children and families in Scotland. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Prepare examples of your past successes in securing media coverage and managing public affairs. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've led and the impact they had. This will highlight your senior communications experience and your ability to lead with a media-first approach.
✨Strategic Thinking is Key
Think about how you would develop a 12–18-month communications strategy for The Yard. Bring some ideas to the table during the interview. This shows that you're not just reactive but proactive and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Build Connections
Emphasise your experience in building relationships with policy teams and strategic partners. Share stories of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the sector. This will demonstrate your stakeholder management skills and your ability to position The Yard as a sector leader.
