Head of Public Affairs, Strategy & Communications

Cairn Housing Association; Irvine; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing provider in Scotland is seeking a Head of Public Affairs, Strategy & Communications to lead their public affairs function and work closely with the CEO. This role involves developing the Cairn business plan, engaging with stakeholders, and shaping public policy. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in public affairs, strategic planning, and the social housing sector. The position offers a competitive salary of £67,252 per annum with hybrid working and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellness support

Tech and cycle schemes

Compassionate leave

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in public affairs and strategic planning.
• Demonstrable understanding of local and national government.
• Track record of highly effective leadership in complex environments.
• Understanding of social housing sector and regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of legislative requirements for equalities and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Cairn business plan in consultation with stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership for external political engagement.
• Work with CEO to influence public policy.
• Establish and lead the public affairs function.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments to advise on impacts.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Communications

Strategic planning

Leadership and influence

Knowledge of social housing sector

Education

Degree qualified or equivalent experience

Job description

There has never been a more exciting time to join Cairn. We are investing in our people, our homes, and our communities – and we need talented individuals like you to help lead the way.

At Cairn Housing Association, we are proud to be one of Scotland’s leading housing providers – creating vibrant communities and providing high quality homes that make a real difference. We have almost 5,000 homes in management across Scotland and operate from five regional offices in Edinburgh, Bellshill, Inverness, Thurso and Irvine. As we embark on a period of exciting transformation and innovation, we are seeking a visionary leader to join our team and help shape the future of housing across Scotland.

Responsibilities:

This is not just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change. As Head of Public Affairs, Strategy & Communications, you will play a pivotal role in steering Cairn’s strategic direction, elevating our public profile and connecting our mission to the communities we serve. This newly created role will also work closely with the CEO on the development and delivery of a highly effective public affairs function within Cairn aligned to Strategic Objectives, Risk and customer priorities and will have a key role in scrutinising, articulating and acting as being a lead adviser on local and national policies and strategies relevant to the success of our business.

The post holder will also lead on the development and preparation of the Cairn Business Plan and embed a high-performance culture, including innovative approach to tenant scrutiny and feedback. The role will also lead on the development of a robust inclusive communication strategy for both internal and external stakeholders setting out new and innovative ways to enhance engagement and manage the brand.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop the Cairn business plan in-consultation with other key stakeholders to ensure direction of travel is cohesive and fits in with overriding strategic plans and in line with regulatory requirements
• Provide strategic leadership for the effective development and delivery of an external political engagement program, setting and pursing clear objectives built on analysis and insight, supporting Cairn to achieve its objectives.
• Work with the CEO and Chair to build, improve and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to successfully influence public policy that impacts on our customers and business objectives.
• Establish and lead the public affairs function including monitoring the activities of Scottish Parliament and Westminster and other relevant bodies and preparing briefings for CEO, Executive Team and Board setting out alignment to Cairn strategy, risks or opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse legislative and policy developments, advising CEO and Executive Team on potential impacts.

Key Requirements:

• Substantial experience in public affairs, communications and strategic planning and / or degree qualified or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable understanding of local and national government; the political framework and processes and mechanics of creating new or amending legislation.
• Track record of highly effective leadership and influence in complex environments
• Understanding of the social housing sector and regulatory environment, specifically the Scottish Social Housing Charter.
• Understanding of effective ways to engage with customers in an inclusive and accessible way.
• Experience and knowledge of equalities, diversity and inclusion and understanding of legislative requirements.
• Knowledge and experience in performance management frameworks and experience of delivering a culture of continuous improvement.
• The ability to work under pressure, co-ordinate a varied and complex workload in a busy environment.
• A Full UK Drivers Licence with access to a vehicle and a Basic Disclosure is required for this role.

Employee Benefits: Why Cairn is the Best Place to Work

Join Cairn and enjoy a range of benefits including flexible and hybrid working, health and wellness support, tech and cycle schemes, compassionate leave, and more!

Cairn is passionate about creating equal opportunities for everyone and warmly invites applications from all community members.

Closing date: 18thAugust 2025 at 12:00pm

Location:Edinburgh / Bellshill / Inverness / Irvine or Thurso (with Hybrid Working)

Salary:The salary for this post is £67,252 per annum rising to £70,792 on successful completion of 6-month probationary period

Work pattern:34.5 hours per week (full-time)