Communications & Engagement Officer

Salary: £27,060 – £29,259 (Band B) per annum

Working hours: 35 hours per week – we are happy to talk part time and flexible working.

Contract: 18 months fixed term

Location: Balloch, with hybrid working model in place

Closing date: 9am on 24 May 2024.

Now is a pivotal time for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority. The Park has a central role to play in tackling the twin crises of the climate emergency and nature loss, while supporting local communities and the people who live and work within the Park to adapt and make its special qualities sustainable for future generations.

The Role:

As Communications and Engagement Officer, you will support a range of National Park Authority priorities, which help achieve the ambitious outcomes outlined in our new National Park Partnership Plan. Working within the communications team as part of the Park Authority’s Engagement and Innovation Service, you will deliver effective communications and engagement activity, campaigns and projects to influence public opinion and behaviour.

The post holder will support our Media and Campaigns Manager with delivering targeted public relations activities and stakeholder engagement. They will also be responsible for the community management of the Park Authority’s social media channels, preparing and issuing stakeholder bulletins and designing content for and maintaining content on the website.

They will have previous experience in media relations and integrated communications skills gained within a busy client servicing role, either in-house or agency side. They will have excellent writing and editing skills, an understanding of what makes a good media story and engaging content for users and be confident juggling multiple priorities while delivering work with great attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

· Work with the Media and Campaigns manager to proactively choregraph stories that build a profile for the National Park Authority and make a real and meaningful impact with our target audiences.

· Support with the writing, production and distribution of proactive and responsive press releases, feature copy, stakeholder bulletins and statements.

· Support the Communications Team with media monitoring to ensure the Park Authority is ahead of the curve on relevant stories, trends, and opportunities in the media and/or press coverage generated.

· Handling enquiries from the public, journalists or stakeholders, drafting responses and where required helping to brief our spokespeople.

· Oversee media research, carry out media audits and develop targeted media lists.

· Support our Creative Content Coordinator with community management of our social channels, responding to comments and enquiries when necessary and proactively looking for opportunities to strengthen engagement and share content with users.

· Support our Digital Communications Manager with writing and uploading content to our website and internal communications platform.

· Contribute creative ideas to the development of integrated campaigns which support delivery of Park Authority Priorities.

· Collaborate with teams (internal clients) across the Park Authority to develop ideas for content and stories.

· Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as required.

Who we are looking for:

Your skills, abilities and experience should include:

· Experience in a similar communications or public relations role.

· Experience of producing written content and briefings for a range of different outlets and audiences, particularly the ability to digest policy and complex information and turn it into a compelling written copy.

· Experience of working with and building relationships with the media to develop and deliver impactful stories.

· Experience of social media community management.

· Excellent and confident communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills.

· An excellent multi-tasker with a ‘can do’ attitude.

Ideally, but not essential, you’ll also have:

· An understanding of the Scottish Government policy around Climate Change and Nature, particularly the role of National Parks.

· Experience of working with website content management systems and MailChimp.

· Educated to degree level in marketing, PR or Communications.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role, complete your application by 9am on Friday 24 May.

· Interviews will be virtual.

· Interview dates are set for 5 June 2024.

Who we are and our values:

We offer flexible and remote working, with a generous pension scheme and annual leave allowance. Staff have access to wellbeing services and there is a strong focus on wellbeing throughout the organisation.

Being part of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority means being passionate about what you do, working hard to inspire and lead the way for others. We care about each other and are accessible and friendly treating each other with respect and understanding, we think about our planet with each decision we make. Together, we are the difference.

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority are proud to celebrate difference. Diversity of experience is vital in our success we want our business to be representative to the communities we work alongside. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applicants from a wide range of individuals, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, gender identity and expression, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.