Press and Communication Officer for Scottish Liberal Democrats

Location: Scottish Parliament

Employment hours: Full time, 37 hours

Salary: £33,000 - 35,000

Contract type: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 29 July at 11:59pm 

Job purpose 

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs are growing their team at the outset of a new parliamentary term. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the news agenda and communicate our work from the heart of Holyrood. 

You will be supporting our 10-strong group of MSPs to get things done for people and make their voices heard. The postholder will be positioned within the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ central team, providing the MSPs with press and communications advice and support.

You will secure media coverage that reaches audiences across Scotland. You’ll monitor and respond to breaking news, find and tell the personal stories behind our campaigns, publish the parliamentary party’s own research, and much more. You will see your work on the front pages of newspapers, on TV, radio and social media. 

The postholder will be expected to demonstrate an ability to understand and promote political positions and policy, they will be expected to build credibility with journalists and political commentators, they will be expected to work quickly and accurately under pressure, and they should have a general understanding of how social media is used in political communication. 
 
Key responsibilities 
 
The principle parliamentary responsibilities are:

1. Timely drafting and distribution of reactive lines to breaking news; 
2. Producing pro-active media initiatives; 
3. Alerting MSPs and staff to significant news stories; 
4. Drafting articles for MSPs; 
5. Planning visits for MSPs away from Parliament; 
6. Organising and attending interviews; 
7. Ensuring that MSPs are fully briefed before media appearances; 
8. Supporting MSPs with campaigns and bills in Parliament; 
9. Supporting staff in individual MSPs’ offices to publicise the work of their parliamentarians locally;  
10. Representing the views and outlook of the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs to journalists; 
11. Developing a professional working relationship with political and specialist journalists; 
12. Maintaining an up-to-date distribution list for journalists and stakeholders; 
13. Maintaining an overview and awareness of political and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere; 
14. Other duties as may be required to support the Scottish Liberal Democrat parliamentary group. 

Please note that this role involves occasional evening and weekend working, including providing out of hours cover on a rotational basis.
 

Requirements

• Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales. 
• Have an interest in politics with the confidence to represent someone in a media-related capacity. 
• Be capable in monitoring media developments and sourcing information from a range of channels. 
• Be able to respond flexibly and creatively to a range of requests through media enquiries and press releases, including handling complex information. 
• Be a proactive problem solver with the motivation and resilience to adapt and deal with challenges. 
• Be creative in designing and communicating over a range of formats, covering both traditional and newer forms of media. 

You must be able to support the MSPs in carrying out their duties in accordance with the organisation’s aims and values. 

Experience of working in a communications role in politics, public affairs, campaigns or similar environments is desirable, as is a good understanding of the Scottish media environment. 

How to Apply:  

For any questions about the role please contact: max.sefton@parliament.scot 

To apply, please click “Apply Online” and upload your CV along with a supporting statement as a single document. Please note that the system does not allow you to upload your supporting statement separately.  

Your supporting statement should be no longer than 2 sides of A4 and should set out how you meet the requirements listed. 

Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered.    

If you are experiencing any issues with the applications process, please send your CV and supporting statement directly to max.sefton@parliament.scot 

Closing Date:  Wednesday 29 July at 11:59pm 

MSPs are employers in their own right. All MSP staff are required to be security vetted in line with HM Government (HMG) Personnel Security Controls and any employment cannot begin until security clearance has been granted. MSPs will also carry out other pre-employment checks including eligibility to work in the UK, and employment references where applicable.