Strategic Communications Lead

Scottish Development International

. Manage the Inquiry’s day-to-day communications and advise on media handling .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomSenior💰 £62,111 - £77,439 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing media relations, and producing engaging content while maintaining compliance with relevant legislation. Skilled in crisis communication and fostering relationships with stakeholders in high-pressure environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Communication Strategy DevelopmentMedia Relations ManagementTrauma-Informed ApproachesInquiries Act 2005 KnowledgeCrisis Communication Protocols

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Content ProductionOral Hearing DeliveryCommunication PlanningAudience AnalysisWriting Skills

Soft Skills

Creative ThinkingInterpersonal SkillsAbility to Manage Competing DemandsStrategic ThinkingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Audio-Visual ProductionSocial Media ManagementWebsite Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)PVG Check

Industry Keywords

Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007Stakeholder EngagementHigh-Pressure EnvironmentJournalist Relations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the Inquiry’s day-to-day communications and advise on media handling
Develop communication plans and strategies for the public, witnesses, and stakeholders
Promote the Inquiry through transparent, authoritative, accurate, and accessible content
Advise the Chair, Secretary, and Inquiry team on communications and application of relevant inquiry legislation
Facilitate cross-disciplinary communications planning and ensure consistency of messaging
Oversee oral hearings delivery, including audio-visual production, social media, news updates, and presentation
Work with Investigation and Witness Support Teams to provide trauma-informed, adaptable hearing experiences for witnesses
Distil key messages and produce engaging, informative content
Manage the Inquiry website in line with brand guidance and style
Manage competing demands and implement communication improvements within tight deadlines
Develop and implement communication-crisis escalation protocols
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Creative thinker able to work across a large team setting
Ability to present conceptual ideas accessibly through appropriate channels based on audience understanding
Good interpersonal skills
Excellent writing skills
Ability to manage competing demands and tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment
Ability to work strategically and identify communication improvements
Experience working with journalists and media outlets
Demonstrable working experience of the Inquiries Act 2005 and the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007 (desirable)
Experience working with vulnerable individuals and understanding of trauma-informed approaches (desirable)
Behaviours assessed: Changing and improving – Level 4; Making effective decisions – Level 4; Communicating and influencing – Level 4; Working together – Level 4
Must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks before appointment
May require higher security clearance, including a PVG check
Must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK; Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available
CV and supporting statement of no more than 1000 words required
Interview and presentation required if invited

Benefits

Comp & perks

Supportive and inclusive working environment
Flexible working options and varied working patterns
Full-time role with 35 hours per week
Fixed-term appointment for 47 months
Recruitment adjustments for candidates who need them