Communications Officer Edinburgh, Scotland
Job description
Working in a small but busy team, the role holder will work within the Scottish Prison Service’s Office of the Chief Executive. The role requires a high level of collaboration with colleagues across the organisation, Scottish Government and our wider stakeholder network.
The role holder will be a dynamic individual, who will work well as part of a team, and take on a wide variety of roles. They will play their part in delivering a professional and proactive approach to media and internal communications, under the leadership of the Head of Communications and Communications Manager.
A hard-working self-starter with a desire to learn, the role-holder will have the flexibility to work across a range of disciplines; examples of which include media relations, sourcing and writing quotes, updating the website, intranet, and social media, and effective handling of sensitive information. The individual will be part of a team ensuring media and communication lines are accurate, sensitive and provided under, at times, challenging deadlines.
The role-holder will be a confident communicator, able to develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, respecting sensitives and confidentiality.
Working with internal and external partners to deliver positive, proactive communications on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service.
Sourcing information, drafting and sending responses to media queries.
Updating the SPS’s website and intranet, and posting on social media channels
Supporting the organisation’s response to Freedom of Information requests.
Keeping abreast of political and legislative developments and keeping colleagues informed.
SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them , you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.
Likely to be a graduate within a related topic/and or appropriate experience or record of achievement.
Essential
Media or Media relations experience with evidence of your ability to support communications and media relations strategies.
Essential
Experience of working within a public sector environment.
Desirable
Experience of working with internal, customer / stakeholder organisational communications.
Essential
Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to present views confidently and persuasively, both in writing and face-to-face.
Essential
Strong work ethic and desire to learn, with the ability to work as a team and, on occasion, independently with appropriate support and oversight.
Essential
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders.
Essential
Strong political and media awareness, with an ability to respond quickly and appropriately to developments and inquiries.
Essential
