Senior Communications Manager - B3

Job descriptionThis opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Transport Scotland news team is a busy and high performing team working to support the delivery of agency and wider Scottish Government communications priorities. We’re looking for an experienced professional communicator to cover a period of maternity leave.

The Senior Communications Manger will work with Ministers, special advisers, policy officials and other specialist digital and marketing colleagues, to develop and deliver integrated strategies and products.

Line managing a B2 Communications Manger and A4 Communications Coordinator, the Senior Communications Manger will be tasked with promoting and explaining high profile policies and ministerial decisions to the public via news media and social media channels – comfortable with the pressure of landing singular opportunities around multi-million pound announcements to national and broadcast media.

In addition to proactive and reactive media and digital handling, media evaluation and planning will be key parts of the role.

Personal resilience is required in a role which is characterised by competing priorities and short deadlines as a consequence of the 24 hour media environment. Duty press officer responsibilities can be expected for a full week every one week in five at a minimum. We’re a supportive team and cover is provided across the rota to support caring responsibilities and personal wellbeing.

Frequent travel will be required to the Scottish Parliament and to locations across Scotland to support the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport

This is a specialist post which requires technical communications skills. The successful candidate will likely have previous media or demanding press office experience. Professional membership and accreditation from either the Government Communications Service or Chartered Institute of Public Relations is desirable. Familiarity with Government Communications Service news operating models will be required.

Transport Scotland will be merged into core Scottish Government by April 2027. At this time, there is no certainty around specific posts where it relates to shared services and redeployment may be required across the maternity cover period.

Responsibilities

• Line management of other specialist communicators – comfortable supporting them in their role and supporting their own professional and technical development
• Proactive and reactive news handling, managing issues and resolving problems as part of 24/7 news operation and independently as part of a duty rota
• Developing specialist understanding of complex policy areas across a portfolio of proactive responsibility.
• Directly supporting the Cabinet Secretary during high-profile media engagements
• News planning and evaluation – working as part of wider SG communications function and cross-SG strategic communication priorities
• Deputising for the head of news at Senior Leadership Team or wider news planning meetings.
• Crisis and resilience communications – comfortable working to ‘Warning and Informing’ doctrine during weather alerts or for other major transport incidents – taking part in resilience exercises to ensure preparedness.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 9 months.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact matthew.millar@transport.gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.