Permanent Graphic Designer

Since 1999, the Scottish Parliament has outsourced all of its design requirements to an external design agency. Last year we explored the option of bringing some of this work in-house. We undertook a 9-month pilot to see how this worked - with the majority of work delivered by an in-house graphic designer but continuing to use our external agency when needed.
The pilot was successful; therefore, the Parliament is now looking to fill the post on a permanent basis. This post will be the sole graphic designer within the organisation. The role is varied- covering everything from updating templates, to marketing campaigns to updating existing collateral - but we're looking for someone with experience across different methods of graphic design, but a lot of the work will be focused around digital channels.
Working pattern: This is a full-time post working 37 hours per week, however we are happy to talk about flexible working. It will be a hybrid working position, where you will be expected to work in the office at Holyrood (2 days a week on a Wednesday and Thursday) with the rest at home.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Parliament Communications Office (PCO) as the Parliament's Graphic Designer in our Marketing and Engagement Team. PCO sits within our People, Communications and Inclusion directorate. To see where the office fits within our organisation, view our organisation chart here.

PCO provides a comprehensive and integrated communications function for the Parliament. We use our communications channels to promote and increase understanding of the Parliament and to encourage and facilitate inclusive public engagement in its work. Our overarching aim is to improve trust and confidence in the institution. We strive for excellence, working collaboratively with other teams in delivering a high quality and innovative communications service.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is responsible for providing the Parliament with the property, staff and services required for the Parliament's purposes. We place a high value on excellence, and we are continually looking to improve how we can deliver the Parliament's core purpose of representing the people of Scotland by debating issues of national importance, passing legislation, and holding the Scottish Government to account. We are a diverse workforce, and our embedded values shape the way we work and treat each other. We have a culture of respect and inclusion, and everyone has the ability to make a difference.
The Marketing and Engagement Team is one of 4 small teams that make up PCO. Reporting to the Production and Brand Compliance Manager, you'll work with the 4 other members of the team to deliver the engagement needs of internal clients.

As the Parliament's Graphic Designer you'll work collaboratively with internal teams to deliver design solutions on a variety of different outputs. Working collaboratively with them. While this will mainly be digital and social platforms this would also including leaflets, posters, adverts and web content.

You will also be a brand ambassador for the Parliament, ensuring that all designs produced by you meet the Parliament's brand guidelines and help support other colleagues in using the brand correctly.
Working at the Parliament, Print production knowledge and skills to ensure content is developed and prepared for print
Your response should provide examples from your background or career, of where you have demonstrated that value.

When completing the values-based statement for your application:

-Please provide evidence against each of our four values, a maximum of 400 words is allowed per value

-Please use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to address the key requirements under each value in the Job Description. More information on STAR is in the How to Prepare for Interview section below

-Each value should be clearly formatted, and your examples may include specific skills, experience, abilities, knowledge and strengths you have

-We have a separate box for you to input each value

-It's a good idea to complete your answers to the questions offline, perhaps in Word, and then copy and paste your answers into the system when you're ready to submit your application

-We recommend that you check your answers once you've copied and pasted the information into the system, just to ensure it's all there

The successful candidate will have good experience working in a similar graphic design environment, either in-house or with an agency.

You will have experience of creating engaging, multi-platform products. Outputs will mainly be on digital and social platforms but also including leaflets, posters, adverts and web content. Therefore, you will also have print production knowledge and skills to ensure content is developed and prepared for print.

You will have proven ability and experience in creating engaging content for different audiences and platforms, through the use of Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects.

You will have excellent organisation and planning skills to manage a number of completing work projects with varying deadlines.

You will enjoy working in a fast-moving environment and have the ability to think creatively, working collaboratively with colleagues from across the Parliament., Proven ability and experience in creating engaging content for different audiences and platforms, using Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects

-Excellent organisational and planning skills to manage a number of competing work projects with varying deadlines

We offer a great range of benefits including: 41.5 leave days (including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym, Health and Wellbeing Schemes including discounted gym membership, a confidential counselling and information service, and the Cycle to Work Scheme.

You'll also have the opportunity to join the Alpha Civil Service pension scheme, where we'll offer you an employer contribution of up to 30.3% of your basic salary.