Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications, ONE PARENT FAMILIES SCOTLAND
Join to apply for the Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications, ONE PARENT FAMILIES SCOTLAND role at Guardian Jobs
Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications, ONE PARENT FAMILIES SCOTLAND
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications, ONE PARENT FAMILIES SCOTLAND role at Guardian Jobs
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
All roles at OPFS contribute to our mission of working with and for single parent families, providing support that enables them to achieve their potential and help create lasting solutions to the poverty and barriers facing many single parents and their children. Our core values of Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion are at the heart of everything we do and underpin all aspects of our work.
About the role:
We are looking for a visionary and collaborative leader to help drive the implementation of our new strategy, policy development and communications at OPFS – the only national organisation dedicated to single parents in Scotland.
This role will shape public affairs and advocacy, support evidence-informed policy change, and lead our external communications. Working closely with the Chief Executive (CEO) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will ensure that the voices of families and children shape decision-making and public discourse, and that OPFS remains a trusted and influential voice in Scotland.
You will also lead a multi-disciplinary team, fostering a culture of strategic insight, innovation, and equity.
Equal Opportunities and Family Friendly Employment.
OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People Gold status.
Key responsibilities
This is a broad picture of the post at the time of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time.
Strategic leadership
* Be the SLT Lead for the monitoring and review of OPFS’s strategic plan.
* Collaborate with SLT to set strategic direction, manage risk, and lead organisational improvement initiatives.
* Support collective decision-making and innovation through collaboration with other Heads of Service, the Deputy CEO and CEO.
* Support Board governance and engagement in policy development.
* Represent OPFS externally, building partnerships for policy and research with universities and colleges, third sector organisations, think tanks and policy organisations.
* Foster an inclusive culture of engagement, creativity, and trust across the team and organisation.
Policy, Research & Advocacy
* Lead policy development, integrating research and lived experience to influence systemic change.
* Monitor legislative trends and generate high-quality analysis and briefings.
* Design and deliver advocacy strategies to influence Scottish and UK-level policies on child poverty and related issues.
* Oversee research and participation strategies developed in partnership with children and families.
Communications & Public Affairs
* Develop and lead OPFS’s communications strategy, acting as a key spokesperson and media representative.
* Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, civil society organisations, parliamentarians, and influencers.
* Elevate the profile of OPFS and drive public engagement through clear and impactful messaging.
Innovation & growth
* Embed systems for continuous learning, impact measurement, and evidence-sharing across departments.
* Identify emerging trends and innovations in policy, public affairs and external communications to strengthen OPFS’s effectiveness and reach.
Person specification
Essential Skills & Experience
* Significant senior leadership experience in public affairs, policy or communications within a national organisation.
* Relevant qualification (e.g. Public Policy, Communications – SCQF Level 10+) or equivalent training.
* Proven success in achieving policy change through effective lobbying and stakeholder engagement.
* Track record of applying research and evidence to drive impactful policy positions.
* High-level communication skills and media confidence; broad network of external contacts.
* Excellent leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to develop talent and promote performance.
Application information
OPFS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from members of all communities. We are committed to equality of opportunity, inclusion and diversity.
OPFS encourage and welcome applications from all parts of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We particularly welcome applications from single parents or those who have experienced poverty and or tackled poverty.
OPFS, we are committed to protecting personnel, children, adults, and service users from any harm arising from each other, themselves, our activities, or organisational failings whilst in contact with us. More information on our privacy and safeguarding policies can be found on our website.
Please let us know if you will require any reasonable adjustments should you be called for an interview.
Please note that all job offers are subject to 2 satisfactory references and a disclosure satisfactory to OPFS from the Disclosure & Barring Service.
Recruitment timetable: The closing date for applications is Noon of 29th August 2025.
Making an application
Send your CV (no more than four sides) to jobs@opfs.org.uk. A supporting statement (no more than 1,500 words) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria. You should address the key responsibilities, experience and skills.
Please also tell us about how two of our values are, or have been, particularly relevant in your work or life, outlining how you have demonstrated a commitment to them and how they would influence your approach as Head of Corporate Services.
We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form during the application process.
This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.
If you need to make an application in an alternative format on the basis of a disability or long-term health condition please email jobs@opfs.org.uk for guidance.
To ensure a fair and effective selection process, we require all applicants to follow the guidance below when submitting their application.
Your cover letter is a critical part of your application. It must:
* Directly demonstrate how you meet the essential experience listed in the job description.
* Provide clear, specific examples of how your experience, skills, behaviours, knowledge and values meet those criteria.
* Demonstrate your understanding of our sector, this role and its requirements, not just your general career history.
* Tailor your cover letter to this specific role – generic or perfunctory cover letters will not be accepted.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Other
* Industries
Advertising Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Guardian Jobs by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Policy jobs in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Senior Policy Manager - Climate, Land & Business
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Climate, Biodiversity and Sustainability Analyst (Maternity Cover)
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
1st Line Risk - Financial Crime Specialist
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Tranent, Scotland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Whitecraig, Scotland, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Financial Analytics
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Personal Assistant (12 Month Fixed Term Contract)
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom 2 days ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr