Communications Officer

Are you looking to make a positive change in society through communications work? At Samaritans Scotland we are seeking a Communications Officer to join our friendly team in Edinburgh. 

​

As Communications Officer, you’ll ensure the smooth delivery of internal and external communications in Scotland, including media and PR. Working across new and existing Samaritans’ campaigns, representing Samaritans to external stakeholders, reacting to the day-to-day news and supporting the development and delivery of a variety of projects.

​

You’ll be a key driver of our marketing and brand in Scotland. Working with our volunteers, story tellers and partners to support engagement and understanding of our work.

​

• £32,000-£34,000 (+ on-call rota allowance of £1,000) per annum 

• Permanent role

• Full time (35 hours per week)

• Hybrid working – Regular office working in Edinburgh with travel in and around Scotland, plus home working

• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences

​

We are a flexible and inclusive organisation. We are moving from strength to strength and this role will make a real and lasting difference to ensure fewer lives are lost to suicide.

​

Samaritans Scotland

Join a friendly, supportive, and ambitious staff team in Scotland. Our established Policy and Communications team is working with a range of external stakeholders including the Scottish Government, MSPs and local partners to achieve change and have an impact on suicide risk. There are around 1000 Samaritans volunteers across Scotland working in our 19 branches. These volunteers respond to calls for help every day of the week via telephone, e-mail, text and in person at our branches or at events across Scotland. Our staff team works to support and promote our services and ensure that people know we’re here when they need us.

​

We also work with the public and the media to inform them about Samaritans and explain how we can help people find their own way forward, as well as supporting the delivery of media guidelines training in Scotland.

Job Description is here

​

What’s in it for you – our benefits 

So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities. 

​

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.

Hybrid and flexible working 

We are a flexible organisation, and we embrace hybrid working – a mix of connecting in person and remotely. We’re aware that the world is changing, and we all want and need different things from our work and home lives. So, if you need to walk the dog, go to the gym, or have commitments outside of work, we’re open to talking through flexible working options that work for you and us. 

Being Inclusive 

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. 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. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

​

Application 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV, a 1 page cover letter outlining how you meet the essential skills, and answer a couple of application questions about your transferable skills and experience. 

Applications close at 9 am on 23 September, with video interviews likely w/c 30 September.