Responsibilities

• Developing, delivering and evaluating strategic communications plans to support public health initiatives, projects and campaigns
• Managing media relations, including media enquiries, lines, briefings and spokespeople preparation
• Supporting communications during high-profile incidents and outbreaks, including reactive lines and coordinated responses
• Taking part in the 24/7 on-call press office rota
• Crafting clear, engaging content for a range of channels, including social media, telling compelling stories aligned to our 10-year corporate strategy
• Providing expert advice on audiences, messages, channels and products across campaigns, projects and events
• Liaising with partners including Scottish Government, NHS 24, COSLA, health boards and the third sector to co-ordinate communications activities
• Spotting opportunities to promote, position and protect our reputation and strengthen visibility of our work
• Using insight, data and evidence to inform creative approaches that motivate and support positive behaviour change

Requirements

• This position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional writing skills, experience of working in a busy press office and developing crisis communications plans, and a sound understanding of the media and political landscape in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
• You will also have experience of developing engaging social media content and planning activity across channels to support priorities, campaigns and wider communications objectives.
• You will have strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and people skills and enjoy working as part of a team.
• You must be able to work well under pressure, juggle competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.

Benefits

• Our benefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits.
• Inclusion: Public Health Scotland (PHS) is a national NHS board committed to being a diverse, inclusive and welcoming employer.
• We support a range of flexible working options to help colleagues balance work and personal responsibilities.
• As an Established Carer Positive employer, we are committed to supporting staff with caring responsibilities and fostering a flexible, understanding workplace culture.
• We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support colleagues to grow and thrive.
• Staff are also welcome to join our active equality networks.