Senior Communications Officer

Historic Environment Scotland; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural heritage organization in Edinburgh is seeking a skilled Senior Communications Officer to deliver innovative communications projects. The role involves leading communications campaigns, managing media inquiries, and overseeing strategic plans that engage various audiences across Scotland. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills and relevant experience in the field. This position offers a competitive salary and the possibility of hybrid working.

Benefits

Enrolment onto Civil Service Pension scheme

25 days annual leave pro-rata

Support for further education

Flexible working hours

Free entry to all properties

Qualifications

• Recent experience in a communications environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Experience managing reputational issues.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior day-to-day contact for allocated business areas.
• Develop and deliver strategic communications plans.
• Organise press briefings, photo calls, and media events.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proven ability to lead and deliver successful communications campaigns

Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail

Experience in handling media enquiries

Strategic understanding of stakeholder media

Job description

Description

Starting salary : 40158

Contract type : Fixed term contract for 9 months with the possibility of extension

Grade : 4

Location : Longmore House Salisbury Place Edinburgh EH9 1SH (with hybrid working if applicable)

Working Hours : Monday - Friday 35 hours per week

Interviews : To be held in person on Week Commencing 10 November 2025

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic communications professional to join our External Communications team. As Senior Communications Officer you will play a key role in delivering innovative and effective communications projects and activities that support our strategic narrative and engage diverse audiences across Scotland and beyond.

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Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities

• Act as senior day-to-day contact for allocated business areas / projects.
• Develop and deliver strategic communications plans and activities.
• Create and manage proactive media content aligned to our corporate narrative.
• Handle reactive media enquiries and provide senior counsel on reputational issues.
• Research and write press releases features and briefing materials.
• Organise press briefings photo calls and media events.
• Advise on social media content and messaging for key issues.
• Participate in creative campaign planning and cross-directorate coordination.
• Operate as first point of contact for out-of-hours communications support (on-call rota).
• Line manage Communications Officers and deputise for the Communications Manager as required.

Key requirements of the role

In order for you to be successful in this post we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1200 words) using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life home life education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Essential

• Recent experience in a communications environment.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver successful communications campaigns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Experience in handling media enquiries and managing reputational issues.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strategic understanding of stakeholder media and online communications.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age race gender or gender identity religious beliefs marital status sexual orientation disability or support of our Gaelic Language Plan we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format please reach out to us via email at or call our Head Office at 0 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online please read our How to Apply followed by Apply Now button to begin your application.

Required Experience : Senior IC

Key Skills

• Internal Control
• Accounting And Auditing
• Accounts Handling
• General Services
• Elevator
• Brand

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1