Senior Public Affairs and Communications Officer
Universities Scotland is the representative organisation for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions (HEIs). We are highly influential in ensuring that politicians, government, and its agencies make decisions that promote higher education and its contribution to our economy, culture, and society.
This is an important, fixed-term, position for 12-months in a small but high-performance public affairs team. The role will involve broad responsibilities for the development and maintenance of effective relationships with the Scottish and UK Parliaments, the Scottish media and stakeholders in the interests of our member institutions. The post holder will play a significant role in the development of persuasive communications, briefing materials, events and other actions in pursuit of the organisation’s policy and funding objectives.
The role will suit a creative and outcomes focused individual with previous experience in a campaigning organisation, someone with good political knowledge and someone with a passion for higher education.
Universities Scotland is a team of 16 staff covering all aspects of policy that affect a complex, >£5 billion sector. We aim to be a confident, creative organisation, with an emphasis on learning and integrity. In developing evidence-based policy proposals and the promotion of our messages, we aim to achieve a positive and significant impact for our members.
Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 14 December 2026.
- A degree or equivalent SCQF qualification at level 9 or 10 (e.g. Ordinary or Honours Degree).
- Relevant demonstrable experience in a public affairs or relevant political environment.
- Experience of working with the media.
- Excellent written skills for a variety of audiences and experience in copy writing for print and digital media, editing, proof-reading and attention to detail.
- Ability to assimilate, to analyse and interpret information, including data, from a variety of sources and to communicate this clearly and concisely to external audiences.
- Strong oral communication skills
- An ability to think creatively, to develop ideas and concepts in a persuasive and impactful way. Experience in developing effective and imaginative campaigns
- Confident and effective in working with colleagues and personnel at all levels, including senior staff/stakeholders.
- Experience of managing events of varying scale and profile.
- Ability to plan and manage one’s own time, deal with multiple projects, potentially conflicting priorities and to deliver these on schedule.
- Ability to work co-operatively in teams and across teams, contributing to team decisions, sharing in all aspects of the work from the routine, to the highprofile, and maintaining team relationships by supporting others.
- Experience of using initiative proactively to resolve problems
- Knowledge of and/or interest in current public policy agendas, current affairs and the Scottish Parliament.
- A willingness to learn, be flexible, adaptable and have a positive attitude to change.
- Experience of working effectively to deadlines and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Sensitivity to the current political context and to factors relevant to working in a membership organisation.
- Good IT skills and good numeracy skills.
- Demonstrable experience of embedding inclusivity into your work.
Senior Public Affairs and Communications Officer employer: Universities UK
Joining the UUK policy team as an Apprentice Economist offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that shapes the future of the UK higher education sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from a formal degree-level apprenticeship while working in a collaborative and supportive environment that values innovation and data-driven insights. Located at the heart of the education landscape, this role not only provides a pathway to a rewarding career but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
