Job Description

Starting salary:

40,158

Contract type:

Fixed term contract for 9 months, with the possibility of extension

Grade:

4

Location:

Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH (with hybrid working if applicable)

Working Hours:

Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week

Interviews:

To be held in person on Week Commencing 10 November 2025


We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic communications professional to join our External Communications team. As Senior Communications Officer, you will play a key role in delivering innovative and effective communications projects and activities that support our strategic narrative and engage diverse audiences across Scotland and beyond.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme - 28% employer contribution 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions Support for further education and personal development Study leave for work related courses Flexible working hours (where appropriate) Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests) Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role

Act as senior day-to-day contact for allocated business areas/ projects. Develop and deliver strategic communications plans and activities. Create and manage proactive media content aligned to our corporate narrative. Handle reactive media enquiries and provide senior counsel on reputational issues. Research and write press releases, features, and briefing materials. Organise press briefings, photo calls and media events. Advise on social media content and messaging for key issues. Participate in creative campaign planning and cross-directorate coordination. Operate as first point of contact for out-of-hours communications support (on-call rota). Line manage Communications Officers and deputise for the Communications Manager as required.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1,200 words), using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience.

Essential:

Recent experience in a communications environment. Proven ability to lead and deliver successful communications campaigns. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. Experience in handling media enquiries and managing reputational issues. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Strategic understanding of stakeholder, media and online communications.
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.


We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.


Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.