Description The Scottish Government (SG) is seeking applications for Media Managers within the Directorate of Communications & Ministerial Support. Overview Media managers are at the heart of Scottish Government communications - operating in News teams aligned to Cabinet portfolios and working closely with other Comms disciplines, policy officials, special advisers and ministers on planning and strategy. News teams promote and explain SG policies and ministerial decisions to the public via the news media and social media channels and by working with external partners. These are two temporary, nine-month postings at a busy time in Scottish politics, ahead of next May's Scottish Parliament elections - with the cost of living, global economic uncertainty, the climate emergency and public services all in focus. Successful candidates are likely to come from a PR or journalism background and will have an interest in politics and current affairs. They will have the ability to think creatively and communicate using a wide range of traditional and emerging media channels to target the right audiences most effectively. They will also have a good news sense, be organised and able to work in an often pressurised environment. Main Duties of Role Supporting strategic comms planning, and providing handling advice and support for Ministers on maximising audience reach for significant announcements or events via established media, social media and other channels, while anticipating and mitigating presentational risks/challenges. Delivering media relations services including: drafting, publishing and promoting SG news releases; designing and delivering external media opportunities and other ‘proactive’ content-capture events; and responding - in writing and at times by verbal briefing of journalists - to requests for information, official comment and ministerial interviews. Creating, sharing and evaluating dynamic content - including photo and video capture - through SG social media channels. Playing an active role in Scottish Government campaigns, working alongside marketing and insight colleagues. After your first few months of service, participating in the out-of-hours duty comms system, including evening, weekend and public holiday working. Essential Criteria The ability to build and maintain relationships, while working with journalists and other key influencers to inform the public of Scottish Government policies, positions and record. An understanding of the changing way in which content is created and consumed and the ability to create dynamic content for a variety of channels. The ability to maintain personal resilience through periods of sustained pressure caused by external events, workloads and resource challenges. The ability to identify potential problems and react quickly, ensuring ministers and officials receive timely and professional presentational advice. Other information The post is based in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, and involves providing in-person support to Ministers in the Scottish Parliament and at engagements and interviews across Scotland. The Scottish Government is currently operating hybrid working arrangements. Hours of work: Five working days (35 hours) a week, principally from 9.30am with scope for flexibility. Working pattern across Monday to Friday to be agreed. HOW TO APPLY To apply, candidates are invited to send a statement of suitability for the role and their CV by 5.00 pm on Thursday 8 May. In the statement, we ask the candidate to provide specific examples of how they meet the Essential Criteria, listed above - using no more than 250 words for each of the 4 criteria to showcase knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. Candidates who are considered to have the necessary skills and experience will be invited to a Microsoft Teams call with the recruiting manager and another panel member during the w/c 12 May. The candidate/s considered most suitable for the role will be offered the opportunity. Further information Further information about this opportunity is available from Russell.Fallis@gov.scot