Job Description

About the Role

All applicants must submit a CV along with a cover letter explaining why they should be considered for this role. Applications will not be accepted without a cover letter.


Please note: This role may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Closing date: 17th September 2025

Interviews to be held w/c 29th September 2025

Join our team as Head of External Communications and Engagement for Scotland

Every year, WithYou in Scotland helps more than 14,000 people to overcome challenges with drugs and alcohol.


We are working towards a future free from harm, where anyone seeking help feels welcomed and not judged.


We are recruiting for a Head of External Communications and Engagement for Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to join our charity at a time of growth - we are about to launch a new, first-of-its-kind service in Highland, and we have a critical role in influencing what drug policy will look like post-2026 and the end of the National Mission.


This role sits within our Business Development and Communications Directorate, an innovative team committed to finding new, impactful ways of connecting with our stakeholders so that we can grow our work and reach more people.


If you are looking to join a forward thinking, values-driven charity, and have the passion and expertise to lead our external engagement and communications offering in Scotland, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is home-based, with travel across Scotland as required. Therefore, you must live in Scotland and have knowledge of the landscape to be considered for this role.

Job Opportunity

The post holder will be responsible for the overall operation, leadership and day-to-day running of our communications activity in Scotland.


We want to continue to grow our relationships with the media, politicians, and partner organisations and boost our profile amongst the general public, so that people who need help know who we are and how to reach us.


The role is twofold: you will provide clear direction for influence and engagement at a national level across Scotland and bespoke regional support to our community-based services.


Other priorities will include:

Manage all aspects of our communications activity in Scotland, ensuring delivery of targets within timelines and budgets Developing and delivering a communications plan for Scotland that incorporates national activity and can be dialled up in regions as necessary. Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of policy agendas and key influencing priorities for WithYou in Scotland through active engagement with external agencies, stakeholders and policy makers Building, maintaining and leading a network of strong relationships with journalists and other stakeholders Working with our clients to understand their stories and ensure their voices are heard through all our communications activity Taking steps to tackle stigma and ensure responsible storytelling Working as part of a WithYou-wide team to deliver broader WithYou priorities

Company Benefits

30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays An extra day off for your birthday or a special occasion of your choice Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave 2 days paid volunteer leave per year Auto-enrollment into We Are With You's pension scheme Access to a Blue Light Card - giving you great savings on big high-street and online brands Flexible working opportunities and access to a range of services and resources to support you with your wellbeing We have an excellent Refer a Friend scheme which offers you a 500 bonus for any recommendations, any role! Our scheme allows you to recommend your friends and family to work with us and earn a 500 bonus payment for every successful referral you make. Please note, the Refer a Friend scheme is only applicable if your recommended friend completes their 6 months probation period

Essential Skills

Scotland is in the midst of a drug and alcohol death crisis. As a charity, we are determined to help more people to get better and live happier, healthier lives.


We deliver first-rate services in communities across Scotland, and we need a communications function that can complement them.


We are looking for an ambitious and compassionate communications professional who can build valuable working relationships externally at a national level, and with our clients and services, in order to effectively communicate about the support we offer.


You should have a strong knowledge of the approaches, tools, and techniques that support clear implementation of communications strategies.


It is essential that you have experience of adapting messaging for a range of audiences and, in particular, considering and representing Scotland in the development of UK materials.


This is a busy time, with multiple priorities ongoing and plans for growth, so it's important that you are highly organised and able to manage your time effectively.


In your application, we'd be excited to read more about your:

Experience of managing stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally, along with clear evidence of your ability to influence Significant experience in a similar role, including working with Scotland's national media

?


A full job description and person specification are available on request by emailing recruitment@wearewithyou.org.uk.

#

DEI Statement

As an organisation, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our staff. We know that representing the communities we serve is key to us meeting our goals of radically improving people's lives. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team, including people with lived experience, people with disabilities, people from racialised communities, LGBTQ+ people, people of all ages and armed forces veterans.


As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates that are veterans and meet all the essential criteria for a role.


WithYou is also a Disability Confident Employer, and we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with a disability and meet all the essential criteria for a role.


If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.