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.

Shared Care Scotland is recruiting a new Head of Policy and Communications following the promotion of the current postholder. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic communicator to join the team at a pivotal time with short breaks and respite care policy high on the political agenda.

Shared Care Scotland is an innovative national charity, based in Dunfermline, working to support Scotland’s unpaid carers to access short breaks and respite. We aim to be an influential, leading voice advocating for carers’ rights and helping shape the future of short breaks provision in Scotland; a trusted partner that can be relied on for consistent high-quality information and guidance; and an organisation that connects good practice, ideas, and people to support learning and improvement.

The Head of Policy & Communications role will help us achieve this ambition by ensuring we have effective links between our policy, communications and evidence-related activities to optimise our impact, strengthen our reputation and increase our visibility. The successful candidate will lead on the development and implementation of our influencing and communication activities across all workstreams of the organisation and oversee policy-related work of the organisation. This will involve building relationships and engaging with government, policymakers, sector leads and influencers and developing joint working with strategic partners.

For the right candidate this offers huge potential to develop and deliver innovative and creative ideas and be part of a team that can have real impact of the lives of unpaid carers.

In return we offer a supportive, collaborative team environment with excellent terms and conditions. Staff benefits include a pension scheme with 15.5% employer contribution, employee health plan, flexible working and opportunities for professional development.

Please note, applications are open to women only, covered by the occupational requirement exemption (Schedule 9, Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.

ReTweed is a pioneering and award-winning social enterprise based in the fishing town of Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders. They offer women a new way to think about their futures by investing in their skills and confidence. In an extremely supportive environment, women can enjoy learning new skills, build new connections, find new ways to express themselves and increase their self-belief, encouraging them to move forward in their life’s journey.

What will you do as Chief Officer?

BTA is excited to present an outstanding opportunity to join ReTweed as Chief Officer.

The Chief Officer will lead ReTweed into its next phase of growth and development. As the Chief Officer, you will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, managing operations, and driving our strategic objectives. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the charity’s mission is effectively communicated and implemented while engaging with the community, stakeholders, and partners to promote our initiatives and values.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership – Develop and implement the charities strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the mission and values. Lead the organisation in identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Board Engagement – Collaborate with the Board of Trustees, providing regular updates and insights on organisational performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives.
• Operational Management – Oversee the daily operations of ReTweed, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of programs and services. Implement policies and procedures that promote operational excellence.
• Financial Oversight – Manage the charities finances, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. Ensure compliance with funding requirements and maintain effective relationships with funders and stakeholders.
• Team Leadership – Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of staff and volunteers. Develop a positive organisational culture that encourages collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Community Engagement – Build and maintain relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and partners to enhance ReTweeds visibility and impact. Advocate for the charity’s mission and values within the community and beyond.

What does ReTweed need from you?

Essential Criteria:

• Female Only Candidates – This role is designated for female candidates only, in line with our commitment to diversity and the specific needs of the communities we serve.
• Strategic Leader Experience – Proven experience in strategic leadership, with the ability to develop and implement long-term plans that drive organisational growth.
• Experience Working with the Board – Significant experience collaborating with a board of directors, facilitating effective governance and strategic decision-making.
• 4+ Years Managerial Experience – A minimum of four years of managerial experience, demonstrating strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Knowledge of Funding Mechanisms and Processes – Familiarity with various funding sources, grant writing, and compliance requirements to support the charity’s financial sustainability.
• Passion for the ReTweed Cause – A genuine commitment to the mission of ReTweed, inspiring others to engage with and support our initiatives.
• Change Management – Experience in leading change initiatives, with the ability to manage resistance and communicate effectively with stakeholders throughout transitions.