Media Manager - B2

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are Scottish Government employees, and are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. 

Overview 

Media managers are at the heart of Scottish Government communications – operating in News teams aligned to Cabinet portfolios and working closely with other Comms disciplines, policy officials, special advisers and ministers on planning and strategy.

News teams promote and explain SG policies and ministerial decisions to the public via the news media and social media channels and by working with external partners.  This is busy time for politics in Scotland the elections earlier this year – with the Scottish Government’s response to cost of living pressures, global economic uncertainty, the climate emergency and public services all in focus.

Successful candidates are likely to come from a PR or journalism background and will have an interest in politics and current affairs. They will have the ability to think creatively and communicate using a wide range of traditional and emerging media channels to target the right audiences most effectively. They will also have a good news sense, be organised and able to think and work quickly in an often pressurised environment.

Responsibilities

• Supporting strategic comms planning, and providing handling advice and support for Ministers on maximising audience reach for significant announcements or events via established media, social media and other channels, while anticipating and mitigating presentational risks/challenges.
• Delivering media relations services including: drafting, publishing and promoting SG news releases and other written content; designing and delivering external media opportunities and other ‘proactive’ content-capture events; and responding – in writing and at times by verbal briefing of journalists – to requests for information, official comment and ministerial interviews. 
• Creating, sharing and evaluating dynamic content – including photo and video capture – through SG social media channels.
• Playing an active role in Scottish Government campaigns, working alongside marketing and insight colleagues.
• After the first few months of service, participating in the out-of-hours duty media manager system, including evening, weekend and public holiday working.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position. 

The post is based in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, and involves providing in-person support to Ministers in the Scottish Parliament and at engagements and interviews across Scotland. The Scottish Government’s hybrid working policy applies to this role, where the individual should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace, or (on an ad-hoc basis) at another agreed location, unless authorised otherwise under an agreed adjustment or approved location exemption.

Hours of work

Monday to Friday, principally from 0930 to 1730 with a one hour lunch break (35 hour working week) with scope for flexibility. Working pattern to be agreed.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees. 

Please submit a CV and a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 11:59pm 

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact russ[email protected]

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.