Top job! Policy and Communications Manager

  • Full time
  • £44,323
  • Hybrid: one day a week from edinburgh office
  • Closing 30th July 2026


  • Advertised from 16th July 2026
  • Fixed term until March 2027, contract extension subject to continued Scottish Government funding

Role

Do you want to help shape empty homes policy and influence change across Scotland? Join Shelter Scotland as our Policy and Communications Manager and play a leading role in developing evidence-based policy, influencing decision makers and raising the profile of empty homes as part of the solution to Scotland's housing emergency.

About the role

This a senior role within the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) team which brings together policy development and communications leadership and will play an integral part in helping the team achieve their strategic aims. This role will work closely with another manager and provide cover for the National Manager.

Role specifics

This role leads the development of evidence-based policy that helps shape Scotland’s approach to bringing empty homes back into use. You'll provide leadership across policy, communications and strategic projects, working with local authorities, partners and the media to influence change and raise the profile of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP). You'll also lead and support a small team, oversee key publications and reports, contribute to major events, and ensure the successful delivery of SEHP's strategic priorities.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

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

Part of an award-winning Communication & Policy Department, our Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) is a Scottish Government funded project aimed at enabling private sector empty homes to be brought back into use across Scotland. The Partnership achieves this via a mix of policy work, capacity building, training, best practice sharing and awareness raising across the sector. It’s also home to the national Empty Homes Advice Service - a public facing advice service that anyone can contact for help or to report an empty home. Most recently we have launched a National Matchmaker Service which aims to match owners of empty homes with potential buyers, ensuring that less homes continue to remain empty.

Application notes