Communications Officer

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Senior Communications Officer to:
• deliver the ESS Communication and Engagement Strategy action plan, working with internal and external colleagues, partners and stakeholders
• create and deliver high quality, accessible, innovative and tailored communications that provide a consistent and insights-led message
• create and upload engaging content on ESS's website and across a variety of existing and new channels, including videos and feature content
• monitor media coverage and social media channels within Scotland, across the rest of the UK and the EU to ensure that ESS is well-informed about updates concerning the environment, environmental standards and law, alongside coverage concerning ESS
• working with the relevant Department Heads, co-ordinate the ESS engagement programme (which currently has a community focus), identifying the groups that will participate and the models to be used for effective collaboration
• manage the ESS email update database, including working with other departments to ensure ESS communications are reaching the appropriate networks and stakeholders
• draft press releases and manage media relations co-ordination with a range of relevant journalists
• monitor and evaluate our communications and media subscriptions, using insight to inform future approaches and record and assess progress against relevant ESS performance management indicators
• work collaboratively and flexibly as required, as part of the ESS Team and deputise for the Senior Communications Officer as required

Requirements

• proven experience in a communications role, demonstrating knowledge of supporting media relations, managing social media and website content and providing on-going advice and support
• excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience of drafting a range of accessible written documentation (for example press releases) to present complex information and concepts in a user friendly and engaging manner
• strong event planning and organisational skills, including the ability to balance competing demands and work with a range of target audiences
• proven experience in developing and maintaining productive and high quality relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, alongside the ability to adopt a collaborative approach and influence decision making to achieve a common purpose
• minimum of two years proven experience working in communications and / or a relevant qualification in communications

Preferred

• Desirable criteria: experience of managing public sector social media platforms, using data and the latest industry developments to inform improvements and accessibility
• Desirable criteria: experience of managing and updating website content through a content management system
• Desirable criteria: an understanding of the Scottish Parliament, its committee system and the Scottish environmental network

Benefits

• enrolment in the civil service pension scheme
• a range of flexible working arrangements as well as flexitime to ensure a working pattern that meets both your needs as well as those of the organisation
• 25 days annual leave with an increase to 30 days after two years of reckonable service, plus 11.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• six months full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, five weeks full pay for paternity leave and paid leave for any antenatal appointments
• a range of paid special leave including leave for carers and bereavement leave
• a strong commitment to investing in the personal and professional development of all staff
• dedicated wellbeing support and services for all staff including access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• exceptional workplace adjustment support to remove barriers to enable staff to achieve their full potential
• We are building a culture that encourages inclusion and diversity and we particularly encourage applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• The post allows flexible working and is open to full time or, by agreement, other working patterns including part-time, job share or compressed hours with a minimum requirement of 28 hours per week.