Top job! Head of Communications and Public Affairs
- Full time
- £51,825 – £65,718
- Edinburgh
- Closing 18th July 2023
- Advertised from 27th June 2023
- 37.5hr working week (5 out of 7 days / working a rotational pattern including weekends).
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata). Access to a healthcare plan. Employer contributory pension scheme.
Role
If you are a communications professional who wants to work for an incredible charity and make the world a better place for wildlife then keep reading!
This a fantastic role for someone with a passion for nature, a strong track record in communications and experience working within the Scottish/UK political environment.
The role
To lead the strategic development of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)’s internal and external communications, including public affairs.
Promote Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park as world class visitor attractions and gateways to nature and RZSS as an international leader in conservation and science, grow brand awareness, income and support, safeguard our brand reputation and promote RZSS within the political environment.
As part of the strategy and steering group, contribute to strategic planning in support of RZSS achieving its mission and aims.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Lead the strategic development of the communications function, formulating innovative strategy and business plans, including resource management for current and future needs, setting and monitoring targets/budgets including media, social media, internal communications and customer complaints
- Manage and develop content and engagement across communications channels, including the media, social media, website, newsletters, blogs and intranet
- In conjunction with the Director of Engagement and Business Development, develop RZSS’ political profile and advise on public affairs, ensuring best practice and a co-ordinated and integrated approach.
- Lead the design and delivery of stakeholder engagement with key political and policy influencers, building relationships with opinion formers and decision makers, fostering strong relations with both internal and external stakeholders
- Oversee the development, implementation and review of the complaints/resolution process for Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, providing feedback to senior management on key themes which impact the visitor experience and recommend solutions
- Manage and develop an annual budget, ensure compliance, and maintain accurate records
- Manage, motivate, develop direct reports, following good management practice and working with HR policy guidelines, so their performance meets agreed standards.
What we’re looking for:
- Educated to degree level in relevant degree or equivalent experience
- An excellent understanding of the Scottish media industry
- Knowledge of the political environments in Scotland
- Understanding of legal and ethical requirements in the media
- Creative copywriting and proofreading, with the ability to tailor often complex messages to a wide range of audiences, including the media, with an understanding of search engine optimisations
- Project management development and application
- Demonstrable experience in a similar role including managing and motivating a team
What you’ll get in return:
- 37.5hr working week (5 out of 7 days / working a rotational pattern including weekends)
- Supporting both Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
Application notes
Closing date is Tue 18th July 2023.
To find out more and apply, please click here.
Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.
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Top job! Head of Walking Programmes
- Full time
- £46,135 – £51,266
- Hybrid: Stirling
- Closing 19th December 2025
Walking Scotland is Scotland’s walking and wheeling charity. Walking and wheeling are the most affordable and practical ways to help solve some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergencies.
We promote the benefits of walking and wheeling on our physical, social, and mental health. Our programmes connect communities and inspire positive behaviour change. We also improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.
A key element of this work involves the delivery of our walking programmes, and we are seeking a senior leader who can inspire and develop our approach to this work. Our programme settings are based on national and international evidence of what works best to support people to become more active with walking and wheeling being one of the best ways to achieve this
So, as a potential candidate for this new post:
- Are you able to take a leading role by managing our walking programme teams to deliver on our commitments?
- Are you able to build, manage and nurture highly effective relationships, influencing key stakeholders, partner organisations and funders to increase walking opportunities in Scotland?
- Can you demonstrate competency as a senior leader and contribute meaningfully to a Senior Leadership Team?.
- Are you adaptable and resilient and able to anticipate challenges and developing plans to solve them?
You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team to champion and deliver Walking Scotland’s Mission, Strategy, and Plans. You will also lead a multidisciplinary team to drive forward Walking Scotland’s key objectives within the programme settings.
We offer the opportunity to be part of an organisation that recognises staff as our most valued asset. Attractive employment conditions include a contributory pension scheme and flexi-time policy.
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Do you have a good understanding of social and/or economic policy issues and a proven ability to undertake policy development or campaigning work on specific issues in a wider context? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior Advocacy Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping us to deliver positive change for those affected by the housing emergency in Scotland.
About the role
Your main focus will be to lead Shelter Scotland in effectively advocating for the structural policy changes required to end the housing emergency, driving forward our strategic goals to secure more social homes, strengthen housing rights, and build a lasting movement for change. You’ll develop and communicate clear, evidence-based policy recommendations – drawing on research, lived experience, and sector insight – to influence key stakeholders across government, parliament, and beyond. You’ll commission and manage external research, lead stakeholder events, and work collaboratively across teams to ensure our policy work supports public affairs, media, and operational activity. You’ll also line manage an Advocacy Officer, supporting their development and overseeing their performance.
Role specifics
You’ll bring strong experience in crafting high-impact communications that influence decision-makers and persuade key stakeholders. With a solid understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and public policy processes – particularly within the Scottish Government and Parliament – you’ll have a proven track record of driving change through effective advocacy and relationship-building at a senior level. You’ll be proactive in spotting opportunities to influence policy, responding strategically to external developments. Alongside this, you’ll have experience managing externally funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, and will be confident leading and motivating a team to achieve shared goals.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
The Advocacy Team is part of Shelter Scotland’s Communications and Advocacy Department and is responsible for developing the charity’s policy positions, research plan, and public affairs and professional stakeholder engagement.
The Advocacy team works closely with colleagues in Community Advice and our Telephone and Online Advice services to capture evidence of how Scotland’s broken and biased housing system is impacting communities, and colleagues in Communications and Engagement to translate this evidence into compelling public campaigns and fundraising appeals. The team have led the organisation on developing an anti-racism evidence base, the economic and social benefits of social housing investment and the case for a human rights-based approach to meeting housing need.
Top job! Head of Influence and Campaigns
- Full time
- £51,257 – £57,613
- Hybrid: Edinburgh or Glasgow
- Closing 9th January 2026
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child because all children should have a safe childhood. We protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national and local services.
In this role, you’ll:
- Lead the development and delivery of high-impact influence and campaigning activity that drives policy and practice change for children and families.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across communications, policy, services and fundraising to deliver bold, integrated campaigns.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, influencers and decision-makers.
- Ensure campaigns are informed by evidence, data and the lived experience of children and families.
- Provide leadership and direction across policy and participation, creating a culture of connection, accountability and impact.
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
- Significant experience leading influence, campaigning, policy or public affairs work at a senior level.
- A proven track record of delivering campaigns that achieve meaningful change.
- Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and partners.
- A collaborative, values-led approach and commitment to children’s rights and inclusion.
What we offer:
- A workplace with values of with love, with purpose and with strength
- 40 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Pension scheme and wellbeing support
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Access to Westfield Health, giving colleagues and their families confidential counselling support, wellbeing resources, and access to health and lifestyle benefits to support physical and mental wellbeing.
- Blue Light card discount
- A Fair Work accredited workplace
Our Values
Living our values, you will help create a workplace where our people can thrive, ensuring we deliver the best possible support to children and families.
With love, we put children first.
With purpose, we transform lives together.
With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.
Top job! Head of Support Line
- Full time
- £51,257 – £57,613
- Hybrid: Edinburgh
- Closing 9th January 2026
Do you want to create a safer, brighter future for all children in Scotland?
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We are seeking to appoint the Head of Support line. Guided by our values - with love, with purpose and with strength - we work to keep children safe, families strong and communities connected. Our support line is a lifeline for families, offering emotional, practical and financial support when it’s needed most. The role will be based in Edinburgh with hybrid and flexible working options available.
The role
We’re looking for an inspiring, experienced leader to head this vital service for Scotland’s families. In this role, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of our high quality multi-channel support line, ensuring families receive timely, effective support through calls, webchat and email. You’ll lead a multi-skilled, experienced passionate team as they modernise this trusted national service. You will, champion children’s rights, innovation and make sure our services evolve to meet the changing needs of children and families.
This is more than an operational role - it’s delivering on our strategic priorities, collaborating with all stakeholders and about amplifying families’ voices, influencing policy and shaping services that make a real difference to children and families. You’ll also work closely with colleagues in business development and fundraising, helping to inspire supporters, strengthen partnerships and demonstrate the impact of our work to funders and donors.
If you have experience managing a helpline or multi-channel services, strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, we’d love to hear from you.
What we are looking for
You will be an inspiring leader and will possess a degree or equivalent experience in social care, business management, or related field. In addition to professional training in leadership, safeguarding and service delivery (desirable).
What you can expect from us
As well as a rewarding career and development opportunities, 35 hour week, we offer 40 days annual leave per year pro rata, a contributory pension scheme, generous maternity/adoption and paternity leave, flexible working opportunities and wellbeing support.
With a supportive and inclusive working environment, the salary for this role is £51,257.00 - £57,613.00 per annum.
Our values
Living our values, you will make a direct impact to the lives of children across Scotland. With love, we put children first. With purpose, we transform children’s lives together. With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.
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