- Head of Communications & Public Affairs
- Full time, permanent, based in Edinburgh with some travel to our gardens across Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.
- Salary of £65,964 – £72,658 plus Civil Service pension, generous holiday entitlement, family friendly policies, discounts at our gardens and other benefits.
We’re looking for a dynamic leader to become our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world- leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.
Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead our approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.
With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, with direct line management for the Press Manager and Publications Editors, you will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper (CEO) and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Essential skills:
- Educated to degree-level or equivalent professional qualifications or experience.
- Substantial experience in a senior press or communications role – or with a background in journalism – with a demonstrable track record of leading high-impact communications strategies.
- Evidenced experience of devising and delivering high-impact press releases and press pitches the gain widespread media coverage across mainstream UK and international outlets such as the BBC.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the UK political landscape with experience in engaging with and influencing senior stakeholders from multiple sectors.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing functions across the wider strategic communications spectrum including public affairs.
- Expertise in developing PR strategies and managing media relations, with demonstrable success in securing high-quality press coverage in mainstream media.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including copywriting and editing, presenting and public speaking.
- Confident relationship‑building skills including experience of managing external relationships on behalf of an institution and effective communication with key influencers and colleagues in various roles.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to use insights to drive decision-making and improve return on investment.
- Experience of significant budget management and financial oversight.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including attending events outside of standard working hours as required.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
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