The primary responsibilities of the postholder will be to work in a leading role in the small staff team at Holyrood to ensure that the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ media relations are delivered in a professional manner. This will provide Liberal Democrat MSPs, and to a more limited extent the wider Scottish Liberal Democrat party, with press and media support.

The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate an ability to understand and promote political positions and policy; they will be expected to build credibility with journalist and commentators; they will be expected to work quickly and accurately under pressure; and they should demonstrate an affinity with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

Responsibilities include:

1. Timely drafting and distribution of reactive lines to breaking news and the issues of the day;
2. Working with other staff to produce pro-active media initiatives;
3. Alerting MSPs, staff and, where appropriate, other senior Scottish Liberal Democrat figures to significant news stories;
4. Maintaining the news content of the Scottish Liberal Democrat website;
5. Filling broadcasting bids for radio and television;
6. Drafting articles for campaign leaders and MSPs;
7. Accompanying MSPs on visits away from Parliament when a media presence is anticipated;
8. Working with other staff to ensure that MSPs are fully briefed before media appearances;
9. Providing on-call cover at the weekends and in the evening as part of a rota;
10. Pro-actively seeking slots on broadcast media for campaign leaders;
11. Developing a professional working relationship with Scottish based political and specialist journalists;
12. Representing the views and outlook of the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs - and wider party - to journalists;
13. Maintaining an up to date distribution list for journalists, stakeholders and Liberal Democrats;
14. Working with party staff to support party conferences and other events;
15. Working with other staff and MSPs to develop and implement a media strategy;
16. Maintaining an overview and awareness of political and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere by different parties and governments;
17. Other duties as may be required to support the Scottish Liberal Democrats.