The primary responsibilities of the postholder will be to work in a leading role with the small staff team at Holyrood to ensure that the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ communications 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 communication support. This will involve work as a day-to-day press officer but will also include digital and social media communications, conference communications, materials for members’ communications, and planning support for events and visits.

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 journalists 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. Maintaining the news content of the Scottish Liberal Democrat website, and developing digital and social media content;
4. Filling broadcasting bids for radio and television;
5. Drafting articles for campaign leaders and MSPs;
6. Planning for, and accompanying MSPs on, visits away from Parliament;
7. Ensuring that MSPs are fully briefed before media appearances;
8. Providing on-call cover at the weekends and in the evening as part of a rota;
9. Pro-actively seeking slots on broadcast media for campaign leaders;
10. Developing a professional working relationship with Scottish based political and specialist journalists;
11. Representing the views and outlook of the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs - and wider party - to journalists;
12. Maintaining an up to date distribution list for journalists, stakeholders and Liberal Democrats;
13. Working with party staff to support party conferences and other events, including leading on the development of a communications plan;
14. Working with other staff and MSPs to develop and implement a communications strategy;
15. Maintaining an overview and awareness of political and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere;
16. Other duties as may be required to support the Scottish Liberal Democrats.