We are looking for an Influencing Manager (Scotland) to manage Samaritans Scotland’s influencing staff and activities across parliamentary, public policy and communication channels. You will help us effect positive change and support our work to ensure fewer people die by suicide. This is an exciting time to join a growing team and play a key role in developing our influencing function at a time of great change with a new Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government on the horizon.

• Full time (35 hours per week) flexible working

Key Responsibilities

• Line manage a small Influencing team (currently two staff)
• Manage day-to-day delivery of effective influencing activity in Scotland, under the direction of the Executive Director
• Build relationships, internally and externally, to support impact in Samaritans’ Scotland public policy work
• Provide influencing expertise to support Samaritans Scotland’s impact
• Contribute to the development of an innovative and impactful influencing team

The Person

• Previous experience of leading influencing activity at a national level to effect positive social change
• Previous skills and experience in working successfully across parliamentary, public policy and media functions
• Expert knowledge of the workings of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government
• Previous experience of working with print, broadcast and digital media
• Experience of creatively engaging different audiences in public policy and/or messaging development
• Knowledge of writing and presenting persuasively
• Strong analytical and project management skills (able to evaluate and measure impact)
• Experience of managing or overseeing staff or volunteers
• Passionate about influencing positive social change across different channels
• A confident and persuasive communicator
• Enjoys engaging in complex relationships and inter-dependencies to effect change

Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. We warmly welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.