The postholder will work in a leading role with the small staff team at Holyrood to ensure that the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ media relations and communications are delivered in a professional manner. This will provide Liberal Democrat MSPs, and to a 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 and 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; they should demonstrate an affinity with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats; and they should have a general understanding of how social media is used in political communication.

Responsibilities include:

1. Timely drafting and distribution of reactive lines to breaking news;
2. Working with other staff to produce pro-active media initiatives;
3. Alerting MSPs, staff and, where appropriate, other senior party figures to significant news stories;
4. Maintaining the news content of the Scottish Liberal Democrat website, and developing digital and social media content;
5. Drafting articles for campaign leaders and MSPs;
6. Planning visits for MSPs 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 and filling broadcasting bids;
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 the development of a communications plan and campaign broadcasts;
14. Maintaining an overview and awareness of political and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere;
15. Other duties as may be required to support the Scottish Liberal Democrats.