1. Press Officer

This role represents a unique opportunity to support the work of the Scottish Conservative MSPs in Holyrood.

Working in the Scottish Parliament and reporting to the Head of Media, the successful candidate will play a leading role in managing the media and broadcast output of the Scottish Conservative MSPs.

Key responsibilities will include:
• Writing media comments, releases and columns
• Briefing MSPs prior to broadcast interviews
• Helping to plan and organise media coverage
• Generating ideas for press releases and social media content
• Supporting MSPs by attending media events
• Building strong relationships with journalists and MSPs
• Working with Digital Media team to draft and prepare social media content
• Managing provision of communications and press advice
• Implementing media and digital communication strategy
• Organising and arranging interviews and press conferences as specified
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders
• Producing high quality press briefings, speeches, presentations, and written materials

About You

Requirements
• Good organisational skills, an ability to be proactive, and strong teamwork skills are essential
• You will be capable of monitoring media developments and sourcing information from a range of channels
• A journalism or PR background is desirable but not essential
• Experience producing social media content is desirable but not essential
• Graphic design and/or video production skills are desirable but not essential

2. Researcher - PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS NOW CLOSED.
The Scottish Conservative Parliamentary Group are looking for a full-time Researcher to join their team.

The Role

This role will provide research, briefing and analysis for the Scottish Conservative Parliamentary Group in Holyrood. This is an exciting time to work in Scottish politics and the successful candidate will play a crucial role supporting the Scottish Conservative Parliamentary Group to scrutinise and hold the Scottish Government to account.

Responsibilities include:
• Gathering and distributing valuable data to support the Group’s activities
• Keeping knowledge of policy areas and national issues up-to-date
• Carrying out research projects
• Obtaining and compiling relevant research documents from external bodies
• Preparing and delivering regular briefings
• Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics

Depending on experience, the successful candidate may be asked to perform the additional duties below:
• Engaging with the wider research community to ensure the Group has access to accurate data
• Collaborating with colleagues from different service areas across the Parliament
• Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs, and other elected representatives
• Developing relationships with counterparts in other UK legislatures and wider research community
• Overseeing the Group's research needs and project plans
• Leading on project work
• Overseeing new areas and methods of research
• Peer-reviewing validity and quality of work to ensure accuracy

About You

Requirements
• A quick learner with multitasking skills
• An effective problem solver able to work to set deadlines
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Able to produce accurate and influential work
• Excellent communications skills
• An effective team worker
• Excellent written, verbal and IT skills

Desirable
• A strong interest in Scottish politics
• A commitment to the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party