Communications Manager

What if your next role as a communications leader could make a lasting difference for Scotland’s animals?

We’re looking for a Communications Manager to lead how the Scottish SPCA speaks to the world – across media, PR and internal communications. You’ll build our reputation, secure great stories and help us navigate the moments when our voice matters most, ensuring colleagues, supporters and the wider public hear a trusted, consistent and compelling Scottish SPCA voice.

 
If this sounds like the role for you, please read on for more information. 

·       Job Title: Communications Manager

·       Salary: £38,693.20 - £44,480.80 per annum 

·       Contract Type – Full time, Permanent

·       Location: Hybrid - HQ, Dunfermline and home (with regular travel across Scotland)

About the Scottish SPCA

Since 1839 the Scottish SPCA has existed for one reason – to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home. We rescue, protect and lead the conversation on animal welfare. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

You can watch a short video on our journey by clicking the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HqcRNHH6I&feature=youtu.be

What does a Communications Manager do?

Our Communications Manager leads how the Scottish SPCA speaks to the world, protecting and building the reputation of a charity the whole of Scotland cares about.

The role leads proactive and reactive media relations, public relations and internal communications, making sure our voice is trusted, consistent and true to who we are.

For a high-profile, media-scrutinised animal welfare charity, this is a role that matters every day. You’ll secure coverage that builds awareness and supports our income and campaigns, handle sensitive and difficult stories with care, and keep colleagues informed, engaged and proud to work for the Scottish SPCA.

You’ll also lead our storytelling team, bringing rescue, rehabilitation and prevention stories to life in our own distinctive voice.

This is a small, focused and ambitious team, where everyone plays an important role, works collaboratively and takes ownership of delivering high-quality communications that make a difference.

Overview of main duties and responsibilities

Media & Public Relations

• Lead proactive media relations, generating positive coverage that builds profile and supports income and campaigns.
• Manage reactive and sensitive media, protecting the charity's reputation with sound judgement.
• Build strong relationships with journalists and act as a spokesperson when needed.

Issues & Crisis Communications

• Prepare for and manage issues and crisis communications, providing calm, clear advice under pressure.
• Maintain lines, protocols and spokesperson readiness for a scrutinised brand.

Storytelling & Content

• Lead the storytelling engine, working with the Brand Journalist and Communications Officer to tell our stories in our own voice.
• Ensure a steady flow of rescue, rehabilitation and prevention stories across channels.

Internal & Change Communications

• Own internal communications that keep colleagues and volunteers informed and engaged, including through change.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the Brand Journalist and Communications Officer.
• This is a small, focused and efficient team, where everyone plays an important role, works collaboratively and takes ownership of delivering high-quality communications and storytelling activity.

What makes a good Communications Manager?

We welcome applicants who meet the essential criteria and are excited to grow into the rest.

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or with equivalent professional experience.

Desirable

• Professional communications or PR qualification, such as CIPR.

Experience & Job Knowledge

Essential

• Significant experience in communications, PR or journalism, including media handling.
• Experience of managing sensitive or reactive stories and protecting reputation.
• Experience of producing compelling content across channels.

Desirable

• Experience of crisis communications.
• Line-management experience and internal-communications experience.

Job Related Skills / Competencies

Essential

• Outstanding writing and editing, able to shift tone for different audiences.
• Excellent news sense and media judgement.
• Calm, credible and persuasive under pressure.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Scottish media landscape and of animal welfare issues.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• A genuine passion for animal welfare and a real commitment to our purpose to rescue, protect and lead.
• A warm, collaborative colleague who builds trust and brings people with them.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with sound judgement in sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Curious and open to learning, comfortable with change and always looking to improve.
• High personal integrity, discretion and a strong sense of accountability for their work.
• Discreet, trustworthy and steady when the stakes and scrutiny are high.

Desirable

• A supporter-first mindset, always asking how a decision feels from the other side.
• Comfortable using data and evidence to shape decisions and tell a story.

Additional Relevant Criteria

• An understanding of the animal welfare, charity or not-for-profit sector.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work travel.

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.

Scottish Charity No SC 006467