Salary: £30,912 - £36,406
Hours: This post may be offered on a full-time basis or split into two separate roles, subject to business needs.
Location: Primarily based in Holyrood, with scope for hybrid working arrangements
Graham Simpson MSP is looking for a Research & Comms Assistant to join his team based in Holyrood. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting Graham’s parliamentary duties and constituency work through thorough research and strategic communication. You will gain hands-on experience through gathering and analysing information on various topics, creating engaging content, and managing communication channels to effectively convey Graham’s objectives to his constituents across the Central Scotland region.
Responsibilities
* Gathering and distributing valuable data that supports my activities.
* Keeping your knowledge of policy areas and local issues up-to-date.
* Carrying out research projects.
* Obtaining and compiling relevant research documents from external bodies.
* Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates.
* Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
* Collaborating with colleagues from different services areas across the Parliament.
* Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs, other elected representatives.
* Ensuring office is kept up-to-date with its relevant legislative and compliance obligations.
* Ensuring all office research complies with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements
* Checking for any updates to compliance related legislation and communicating changes to colleagues.
* Producing materials that effectively convey my aims to the general public and media.
* Keeping up to date with current media developments.
* Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
* Corresponding with constituents and local campaign groups.
* Producing high quality press briefings, speeches, presentations and written materials.
* Following all media outlets to capture relevant developments as they happen.
* Maintaining information systems to support communications.
* Maintaining and growing social media presence.
* Drafting and posting social media content to update constituents on my parliamentary activities.
* Reviewing social media trends and briefing in issues of relevance to my parliamentary role.
Please note, there may be scope for an additional post.
Requirements
* Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales.
* Have analytical skills with the ability to identify and investigate trends while interpreting data.
* Have an interest in politics with the confidence to represent someone in a media-related capacity.
* Be creative in designing and communicating over a range of formats on different media platforms.
* Be able to respond flexibly and creatively to range of requests, such as media enquiries and press releases.
* Have flexibility using relevant IT skills and writing styles, covering both traditional and newer forms of media.
* Be able to work under your own initiative.
* A full driving licence would be advantageous to support Graham in attending events and meetings across the region.
How to Apply:
Please email your CV and a supporting statement to Graeme Mullin at Graeme.Mullin@Parliament.scot
Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered. Be sure to include “Research & Comms Assistant - Job Application” in the subject line of your email.
Closing Date: Friday 17 October at 11:59pm.