Responsibilities

• Oversight of overall media strategy.
• Implementing media and digital communication strategy.
• Establishing media monitoring systems and responding quickly to new developments.
• Managing provision of communications and press advice.
• Providing regular feedback and auditing of media strategy.
• Identifying potential media opportunities and acting as media contact.
• Identifying forthcoming events and opportunities to promote the work of the MSP.
• Managing work with press offices colleagues, including managing broadcast and other media requests.
• Building effective working relationships with local and national journalists.
• Developing creative new engagement methods for social media accounts.
• Representing me in dealing with media and providing statements where appropriate.
• Some out-of-hours work may be required during particularly busy periods or in response to events.
• Producing materials that effectively convey my aims to the general public and media.
• Producing high quality press releases, briefings and other written materials.
• Keeping up to date with current media developments.
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders in the region.
• Corresponding with constituents and local campaign groups where necessary to pursue issues and campaigns.
• Following all media outlets to capture relevant developments as they happen.
• Maintaining information systems to support communications.
• Maintaining and growing social media presence.
• Drafting and posting social media content to update constituents on my parliamentary activities.

Requirements:

• Relevant experience in a communications/press office role, or alternatively in local/national journalism, is highly desirable.
• Understanding of media strategy and motivation to proactively seek out media opportunities.
• Understanding of social media, including ability to produce graphics and video, is desirable.
• Be capable in monitoring media developments and sourcing information from a range of channels.
• Have the ability to build good working relationships with local and national journalists and stakeholders.
• An active interest in, and understanding of, Scottish politics with the confidence to represent MSPs in a media-related capacity to a variety of stakeholders.