Communications and Engagement Senior Manager - B3

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Are you an experienced communications professional who can turn complex programme activity into clear, impactful communications that supports programme delivery?

Can you manage competing priorities, build effective working relationships and confidently challenge stakeholders and delivery partners to ensure high-quality communications are delivered in a fast-paced environment?

Digital infrastructure is central to economic and societal resilience and must be capable of meeting current and future needs of business and wider society. It must provide fair access to connectivity for all, ensuring that rural and island communities are integral to Scotland’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

As a Communications and Engagement Senior Manager, you will play a key role in the successful delivery of high-profile digital infrastructure programmes, including R100 and Project Gigabit in Scotland. Collectively, these programmes represent £1 billion of investment and are helping to transform digital connectivity across the country. The Division is also responsible for a range of other connectivity policy areas, including mobile connectivity and green data centres.

Working across programme, delivery and policy teams, you will lead communications and engagement activity that supports programme delivery objectives, maintains public and stakeholder confidence, and protects the reputation of the Division's digital infrastructure portfolio.

The role focuses on translating complex delivery activity into clear, accessible communications, ensuring consistent messaging across programmes, and providing strategic communications advice to programme teams. You will work closely with internal colleagues, suppliers and external partners to ensure communications activity is delivered to a high standard, challenging constructively where necessary to drive improvements and achieve delivery outcomes.

Through effective communications planning, reputation management and audience-focused engagement, you will help create the conditions for successful programme delivery.

Responsibilities

Drive and lead communications plans for major programmes and projects, aligning activity to programme priorities, delivery risks and opportunities, and producing high-quality communications products including briefings, key messages, digital content, case studies, presentations and stakeholder materials.

Lead proactive communications activity that supports programme delivery, outcomes and benefits for communities, businesses and stakeholders.

Work closely with delivery, programme and policy teams to translate complex technical and operational information into clear and compelling communications that support decision-making, manage expectations and enable successful programme delivery.

Work with suppliers and delivery partners to coordinate communications activity, ensuring messaging is accurate, timely and aligned with programme delivery objectives.

Support the management and protection of programme reputation by identifying communications risks, developing mitigation plans and providing strategic communications advice to support programme delivery.

Manage programme web content and digital channels, ensuring information remains accurate, accessible and aligned with Scottish Government standards.

Provide reporting and analysis on communications and engagement activity, using insight and evidence to evaluate effectiveness and inform future activity.

Experience

Experience leading and delivering communications strategies, plans and products in support of complex programmes, projects or policy delivery.

Experience building relationships and influencing stakeholders to improve communications outcomes, including providing constructive challenge where required.

Ability to analyse complex information and evidence, using sound judgement to provide accurate communications advice and recommendations.

Proven experience delivering high-quality communications activity at pace while managing competing priorities.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

The core team are primarily based at 5 Atlantic Quay, Glasgow. Whilst the majority of internal meetings are held online or hybrid, travel to the office in Glasgow and other locations in Scotland for in-person events and meetings will be required.

The directorate follows a hybrid working approach which blends working in SG workspaces and from home depending on the requirements of the role in line with SG policy.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Minimum Time In Post

You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

How to Apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees.
• Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
• Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 26 October.
• If you have questions about your application, please contact [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principlesand we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.