This vacancy has now closed

Top job! Head of Policy and Communications (Scotland)

  • Full time
  • £55,165
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 11th February 2024


  • Advertised from 29th January 2024
  • Hours Per Week: 35

Role

About us

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.

You will lead our agenda in Scotland to achieve positive and lasting change to end homelessness. This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as the Scottish Government introduces homelessness prevention legislation that has the potential to be world leading.

Location: Based in Crisis’ Edinburgh Skylight, with the ability to travel across Scotland and within the UK for training and meetings

About the role

As Head of Policy and Communications in Scotland you will lead a very experienced team working across policy, public affairs, and communications to deliver the changes needed to address homelessness in Scotland. Five years after the Scottish Government committed to ending all forms of homelessness, this role will be working closely with government officials, sector leads, politicians, and people with lived experience of homelessness to implement and bring about the changes needed to meet this goal.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have excellent knowledge of the Scottish political landscape, and contacts with key Scottish political figures and policymakers. You will also have knowledge and experience of developing and securing policy change at a national government level and raising the profile of an organisation through advocacy and strategic communications.

Ideally you will have experience across public affairs, policy and media work, and excel at building stakeholder relations. You will be an experienced media spokesperson and understand how to communicate policy matters in a simple and concise way. You will have understanding and knowledge of developing policy and influencing objectives informed by, and working with people with lived experience of an issue and staff

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

  • Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
  • Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
  • 28 days’ annual leave
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
  • Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
  • And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

Application notes

If this sounds like you please visit our website to apply

Closing date: Sunday 11 February 2024 (at 23:59)

Interviews will be held on Thursday 22 February 2024