Mark Ruskell MSP is seeking a proactive leader to join his team on a fixed-term basis with a passion for community engagement and office management. In the role of Head of Office, you will be responsible for the daily operations of Mark’s office both in the constituency and at Parliament. The role will also involve driving regional engagement initiatives and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.

The successful candidate will provide essential support for Mark’s parliamentary duties and constituency work. By enhancing Mark’s regional presence, you will play a crucial role in supporting his constituents across the Mid Scotland and Fife region.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the work of Mark Ruskell MSP in serving his constituents and shaping public policy.

Fixed term over 9 months (with the potential for extension to 12 months).

Responsibilities

• Acting in a supervisory capacity for the team and oversight of office management.
  • Managing office budget in line with Members Expenses Scheme, Allowances Office and People Services Team.
  • Managing constituency accounts, premises, and equipment.
  • Managing three members of staff and reviewing their performance.
  • Overseeing health and safety and staff wellbeing.
  • Overseeing diary management and incoming correspondence
  • Acting as a support to me as Party spokesperson for Environment and Transport.
  • Checking for any updates to compliance related legislation and communicating changes to colleagues.

• Leading on regional campaigns and communications, including traditional media output, digital/social media activity and local events.
  • Developing a regional engagement strategy and working with the rest of the team to deliver it.
  • Organising local visits, meetings, and other events, with or on behalf of Mark Ruskell.
  • Producing and circulating press releases on local issues.
  • Building working relationships with local and regional press.
  • Developing and maintaining stakeholder contacts across the region.
  • Managing Mark Ruskell MSPs social media accounts.

• Overseeing the office strategy and managing relevant research and engagement projects.
  • Leading on identifying and delivering project work to progress constituency and parliamentary issues.
  • Peer-reviewing validity and quality of work to ensure accuracy.
  • Delivering or commissioning relevant research projects to produce policy documents, briefings, draft speeches and similar material.
  • Ensuring all office research complies with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements

• Analysing, evaluating, and interpreting data and statistics to supports my activities in Parliament and in the constituency.
  • Keeping your knowledge of relevant policy areas and local issues up-to-date.
  • Obtaining and compiling relevant research documents from external bodies.
  • Monitoring relevant current affairs, local issues, and parliamentary business
  • Contributing to parliamentary activity such as motions, questions and debates

• Managing relationships with regional and policy-specific stakeholders to ensure I have access to accurate and contemporary data.
  • Collaborating with colleagues from different services areas across the Parliament.
  • Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs, other elected representatives.
  • Developing effective relationships with counterparts in other UK legislatures and wider research community.
  • Performing casework-related research and preparing responses where necessary.

About You

• Have experience of working in a leadership role in policy, campaigns, or communications.
• Have experience of managing staff with the ability to nurture and build effective teams in a high-pressure environment.
• Able to foster good working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and build networks.
• Have excellent communication skills with accurate attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Have the creative flair and expertise to develop, deliver and evaluate regional engagement and campaigns activities.
• Have excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multitask, problem solve, and work within tight timescales.
• Have experience of project management, and able to lead on areas of project work while developing new areas and methods of research.
• Have experience of managing budgets and be confident in managing budgets for staff resources and office provisions.
• Have analytical skills with the ability to identify and investigate trends while interpreting data.
• Have an interest in Scottish politics, knowledge of the Mid Scotland and Fife Region and be sympathetic to the aims and objectives of Mark in carrying out his parliamentary duties.