At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging content and share powerful stories to connect with our community.
- Company: Join Thistle, a charity dedicated to supporting those with long-term health conditions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of annual leave, gym access, and a contributory pension.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by sharing impactful stories and strengthening community connections.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and a passion for storytelling; experience in communications is a plus.
Location: Craigmillar, Edinburgh (On Site)
Salary: £28,736 (pro rata)
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time (23 hours per week)
Closing date: 30th August 2026
Interview dates: w/c 7th September 2026
At Thistle, we believe in a world free from isolation and loneliness, where a health crisis doesn’t mean a life crisis. We support people living with long-term health conditions to live good lives and achieve what matters most to them.
We’re looking for a part-time Communications Specialist (23 hours per week) to join our Communications Team at an exciting time as we develop and share a bold new ambition for our organisation. At the heart of this role is storytelling. We’re looking for someone who is collaborative and curious, with the ability to uncover powerful stories that help bring Thistle’s impact to life and strengthen engagement with colleagues, supporters and our wider community.
As part of a small and collaborative communications team, you’ll play a key role in delivering internal communications, supporter and donor stewardship communications and organisation-wide storytelling. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Thistle to create content, share experiences and support communication activities that connect people to our ambition and impact.
What you’ll do:
- Lead the development and delivery of internal communications content that keeps colleagues and people in our community informed and connected to Thistle’s work and purpose.
- Develop engaging content and communications that strengthen relationships with supporters and donors demonstrating the impact of their support.
- Identify and develop compelling stories that demonstrate the impact of our work and the experiences of the people we support.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to bring a diverse range of voices and experiences into our communications.
- Support fundraising campaigns through effective planning and coordination.
- Contribute to the development of newsletters and reports e.g. annual Impact Report.
About you:
We’re looking for a talented communicator who is naturally curious about people and passionate about sharing their stories. You’ll bring:
- Excellent writing, editing and content creation skills.
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
- A collaborative, approachable and adaptable working style.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience in internal communications, donor stewardship, the charity sector or Scotland’s health and social care landscape would be an advantage.
We’re looking for someone who can commit to working a minimum of two days per week in our Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar, Edinburgh ideally on Thursdays and Fridays.
What we offer:
- 35 days of annual leave (pro rata)
- Contributory pension
- Non-contributory death in service benefit scheme
- Free access to the Thistle Gym
- Membership of the HSF Health Plan which includes: money back on everyday healthcare costs, a GP advice line and shopping discounts (this membership can be extended to cover immediate family after completion of probation)
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Thistle Foundation, please do not hesitate to apply. We recognise that experience can be gained in different ways and welcome applications from people who have gained experience through work, study and/or volunteering.
Communications Specialist employer: Thistle Foundation
Thistle Foundation is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and clients alike. Located in the heart of Midlothian, we offer a supportive work environment with a structured development programme, ensuring our employees have ample opportunities for growth and professional advancement. Our commitment to employee welfare is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including contributions to a pension scheme, making us a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in health and social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Specialist
✨Dive into Local PR Events
Get yourself to any local PR meetups or networking events in your area. These gatherings are perfect for making connections with professionals in the field, and you never know who might have a lead on a part-time gig with companies like Thistle Foundation!
✨Leverage Social Media
PR is all about visibility, so show off your skills on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Share insights on current trends, engage with industry leaders, and tag companies you admire, like Thistle Foundation. It’s a great way to catch their eye and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Volunteer for PR Projects
Look for opportunities to volunteer in PR roles, even if they’re unpaid. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and make professional connections that could lead to part-time openings.
✨Tap into University Resources
If you're currently at uni, check on your career services for part-time PR opportunities. Many larger companies, including Thistle Foundation, keep an eye out for budding talent at universities. They might even have exclusive listings just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Make Your Passion Shine Through:In your cover letter, we want to see why you're into public relations! Share what draws you to the field and any relevant experiences, even if they're volunteer gigs or university projects. Show us your enthusiasm, and don't hold back on your stories!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:PR is all about strong communication! Include samples of your writing—whether that’s press releases, blog posts, or social media content—in your application. If you have a portfolio or something similar, definitely attach it. This is where you can truly demonstrate your flair for captivating content.
Tailor Your CV to the PR World:When crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your understanding of PR concepts. Include any internships, volunteer work, or even part-time roles where you had to communicate effectively or manage public relations tasks—this will help us see your fit for the role at Thistle Foundation.
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a part-time role, make sure to mention your availability clearly in your application. Are you a student juggling classes, or do you have other commitments? Being upfront about your schedule helps us plan better and shows that you’re considerate of our needs too. We want to find a mutually beneficial arrangement!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thistle Foundation
✨Know Your Buzzwords
Public relations is all about communication, so make sure you're up-to-date with the latest buzzwords and trends in the industry. Brush up on terms like 'media relations', 'stakeholder engagement', and 'crisis management', as they might come up in conversation with Thistle Foundation.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
As you're applying for a part-time role, it’s crucial to showcase your past work. Prepare a portfolio with examples of press releases, media kits, or campaigns you've contributed to. This tangible evidence of your skills can set you apart and demonstrate your hands-on experience to Thistle Foundation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions, like handling a PR crisis or managing a challenging client relationship. Think about past experiences where you've had to think on your feet, as these reflective examples will show your problem-solving abilities and how you work under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since it's a part-time role, make sure to emphasise your availability and how you can fit into Thistle Foundation's schedule. Speak about your ability to manage multiple projects or juggle responsibilities, as the PR environment is fast-paced and needs someone who can adapt quickly.
