The Vacancy
The work undertaken by The James Hutton Group is right at the top of the global agenda tackling problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Communications Assistant to work in our busy Communications team which delivers an extensive programme of internal communications, events, digital, media and graphic design to support and promote the work of the James Hutton Institute.
The successful applicant will support key aspects of the Communications team’s work, mainly focusing on internal communications, in addition to providing support at events and assisting with general administration for all areas of the communications team.
Previous experience in a similar job could be useful but is less important than enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of our work.
This post is based in Invergowrie, Dundee, however there will be a requirement for occasional travel to our Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen site as well as attending events around Scotland.
The postholder will generally be expected to work a minimum of three days on site with the opportunity to work the other two days at home unless required on site to perform duties of the role as required.
More information on the details of the post and the post holder can be found below in the job description.
Main purpose of job
The Communications Assistant will play a key role in supporting the Communications Team by:
* Helping deliver clear, engaging and timely internal communications that foster an informed and positive workplace culture.
* Assisting with the organisation and smooth delivery of events, including practical setup and on-the-day support.
* Providing administrative and logistical support for public affairs visits and stakeholder engagement.
* Maintaining the team’s communications planner, ensuring all activities are well-coordinated and up to date.
* Collating information to prepare reports on communications activity and performance.
* Any other duties appropriate to supporting the work of the comms team.
Main duties of the postholder
* Internal communications: Drafting and publishing engaging content across a range of channels including the weekly newsletter, monthly mailers, staff intranet, digital screens, and monthly meetings. Supporting the display of information across campus through signage, displays, and screens.
* Employee engagement: Monitoring feedback from staff and assisting in implementing improvements to internal communications based on suggestions.
* Events support: Assisting in the delivery of events and visits, including equipment setup, general event support on the day, and dismantling afterwards.
* Public affairs: Providing administrative and logistical support for external visits and receptions, such as scheduling meetings, liaising with external stakeholders (government, industry officials), developing call sheets, arranging logistics, circulating materials, and noting post-event actions.
* Team coordination: Supporting the upkeep of the communications planner to track daily, weekly, and monthly activities. Preparing agendas and circulating action points from team meetings.
* Reporting: Collating information from across the team to produce regular updates and reports for other departments.
* Administration: Managing routine administrative tasks such as raising purchase orders, processing invoices, and providing general office support.
* External Communications: Coordinating the monthly external mailer to contacts, sharing updates on events and developments from the Hutton.
Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge
Essential qualifications
* Higher Grade English (A or B) or equivalent qualification and two additional Higher qualifications (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, e.g. A-Levels).
Desirable qualifications
* A further or higher education qualification in communications, media, marketing, English, journalism, or a related subject.
* Training or certification in digital communications, event management, or project management tools.
Essential skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging, and accurate content.
* Strong organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively to tight deadlines.
* Good attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
* Creativity and proactivity, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
* Professionalism, with a commitment to confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.
* Confident in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfortable learning new digital tools.
Desirable experience
* Administrative support in a professional setting.
* Assisting with or coordinating events.
* Using email/newsletter platforms
* Working with intranets, CMS, or digital signage tools.
* Using project or team planning software
* Liaising with external stakeholders
* Collating information and preparing reports.
Additional Notes and Requirements
* A flexible, hands-on approach with a willingness to take on a variety of tasks as needed to support Communications activities, particularly around events.
* Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during busy event periods.
This role does not attract a certificate of sponsorship.
What we Offer:
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
* Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
* Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
* Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.