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Do you have experience working in the Scottish policy landscape? Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in mental health and suicide prevention policy? Do you want to make a real difference in people’s lives across Scotland?
Samaritans is looking for a dynamic and experienced Policy Manager to lead our policy and influencing work in Scotland.
* Permanent
* Full time (35 hours per week) with flexible working
* Hybrid working: Linked to our Edinburgh office with home and office working
About the Role
As Policy Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in our mission to reduce suicide. You’ll lead the development of evidence-based policy positions, influence national and local decision-making, and ensure our voice, and the voices of people with lived experience, are heard at the highest levels.
This is an exciting time to join Samaritans Scotland, as we are a lead partner in Scotland’s national suicide prevention strategy, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners to deliver the actions in the strategy and reduce lives lost to suicide in Scotland.
Working closely with the Head of Policy and Communications, you’ll manage a Policy & Engagement Officer and collaborate with colleagues across the UK and Ireland.
Your role will be challenging and rewarding. You’ll be positive, engaging and passionate, with motivational strengths which will enable you to lead and drive your team and inspire colleagues, external stakeholders, and people who want to stand alongside us in pushing for change. You’ll play a key role in ensuring we influence with one voice and help drive change to support suicide prevention.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development of policy positions and research to support suicide prevention in Scotland.
* Manage and mentor a Policy & Engagement Officer.
* Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including government, public bodies, and the voluntary sector.
* Represent Samaritans externally, including at national forums and events.
* Develop and deliver influencing strategies, including responses to consultations and parliamentary inquiries.
* Ensure the voices of volunteers and people with lived experience are central to our policy work.
What We’re Looking For
* Extensive experience in policy development and influencing within a Scottish context.
* Strong understanding of mental health, suicide prevention, and/or inequalities.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Proven ability to manage people and projects effectively.
* Experience working collaboratively across teams and sectors.
* Background in mental health or suicide prevention.
* Experience of working with people with lived experience to inform policy.
* Knowledge of the Scottish voluntary sector and charity landscape.
Job Description and Person Specification here
Why Join Us?
At Samaritans, we believe fewer lives should be lost to suicide. You'll be part of a supportive and inclusive workplace that values innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Enjoy a hybrid working environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
Working at Samaritans:
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure. You can also access it on our careers page.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Application:
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please upload your CV and a cover letter, outlining your motivations for applying and why you think you would be a great fit for the role. Applications close at 9 am on Tuesday 5 August. Interviews taking place from 14 August.
Whilst we appreciate that the use of generative AI functions like ChatGPT is quickly becoming part of working life for many people, through our recruitment process we want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths. Therefore, we kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Strategy/Planning, Public Relations, and Management
* Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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