Senior Comms & Public Affairs Officer Scotland

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. We're looking for a Senior Communications and Public Affairs Officer to help represent the interests and priorities of doctors at all stages of their careers across Scotland. This role is ideal for a highly skilled public affairs and communications professional who can ensure we influence effectively and deliver impactful messaging on behalf of our members. You will coordinate integrated communications, media relations and public affairs activity, provide expert tactical and strategic advice, and help protect and strengthen the BMA's reputation with politicians, the media and the wider public.

Responsibilities

Help oversee delivery of BMA Scotland's public affairs, media and communications strategies in line with the overall strategy agreed with the head of department; Provide expert advice to senior leaders, colleagues, elected members and committee chairs on political and media activity; Develop communications strategies for individual projects, with clear objectives, consistent narratives and compelling key messages; Build and maintain relationships with government officials, ministers, politicians, political parties, journalists and external stakeholders; Identify opportunities to influence legislation, public policy and political debate in support of members' interests; Coordinate the day-to-day work of the communications and public affairs team, including line management of a Communications Officer; Maintain high professional standards across media and public affairs outputs, ensuring activity is delivered on time and within budget; Lead projects with UK committees on Scottish public health policy and ethical matters, as required

Requirements

Substantial experience in a public affairs, communications or media role, ideally at national level; A strong understanding of Scotland's political environment, the Scottish Parliament and devolved legislative processes; A good knowledge of the NHS in Scotland, health policy and trade union functions, and a proven ability to develop and deliver influential campaigns linked to clear policy outcomes; A confident adviser and communicator, able to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-moving environment; Strong leadership, political judgement, project management and people-management skills are essential; A commitment to producing consistently high-quality work

Benefits

30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day; Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary; Additional leave entitlement for volunteering, moving house or wedding leave (after completion of probationary period); Enhanced maternity and paternity leave; Group Income protection & life assurance that is seven times your annual salary; Annual salary reviews & incremental salary increases from year one to year three; Onsite gym and subsidised café (at BMA House in London); Electric Vehicle and Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme's (available after completion of probationary period); Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available; Long service recognition every 5 years; Professional subscription cover where membership of a professional institution is required for your role; BMA Law - discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing; Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform; Lots of Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub; Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) (after completion of probationary period); Additional annual leave - buy up to 5 additional holiday days per year