Community Shares Scotland (a programme of Development Trusts Association Scotland) is looking to recruit a Programme and Communications Officer to join our team.

Community Shares Scotland is a programme to promote and support community shares activity in Scotland, and is now in its 7th year of operation. Community shares are a fundraising solution for community and social enterprises and have helped launch and grow a wide range of thriving community owned businesses. The programme is delivered by DTA Scotland and is jointly funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Scottish Government.

This is a great opportunity to join our small, busy team at a time when enthusiasm for and interest in community shares has never been higher. The role will focus on general awareness raising activity, early stage development work with community groups and communications and partnership activity.

We are looking for an individual who has a strong commitment to community and social enterprise. We would also like you to have experience in communications and marketing activity, with strong social media and digital skills. Experience of developing positive relationships with key stakeholders is also important.

You will be joining a small, close-knit team who are forward-thinking, creative and friendly.

Responsible to: CEO

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week (excluding meal breaks). No overtime paid, but time off in lieu may be taken as appropriate.

Leave: 25 days p/a plus 10 public holidays (pro-rata)

Probationary period: 3 months

DTA Scotland is the national organisation for development trusts with a membership of over 300 dynamic organisations, driving community-led change throughout Scotland. DTAS also runs the Community Ownership Support Service and Community Shares Scotland programmes.

DTAS advises its members and similar organisations to enable them to deliver an enormous range of community-led enterprise and activity from tourism, forestry, community hubs and employability programmes as they often take over ownership of buildings and assets on behalf of their communities. Our activities cover business support, governance training, legal advice, peer to peer learning networks and many other activities all of which build confidence and capacity in communities to deliver projects for social, economic and environmental benefit. We further have a strong advocacy and influencing role in policy development with central and local government, the wider public sector, funders and industry. We are now seeking to appoint an experienced communications professional to help us plan and deliver great communications to members, staff and stakeholders.

Purpose of Post

In particular, the postholder will be expected to contribute directly to:

• Delivery of the organisational strategic objectives
• Delivery of communications strategy
• Coordination and leadership of an internal communications working group

Role & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver DTAS’ communications strategy.
• Maximise DTAS’ and members’ reputation and brand positioning.
• Lead the development and implementation of DTAS’ approach to external and internal sector communications, engaging with staff in the development of the approach.
• Support the development of a stakeholder engagement strategy and be responsible for a key funding relationship and its management.
• Coordinate DTAS’ social media channels, develop creative digital content and liaise with staff and stakeholders across member companies, government, public agencies and other partner organisations
• Ensure DTAS’ communications priorities are aligned to those of key objectives.
• Prepare papers, briefs and submissions on key communication issues for DTAS Management team and Board of Directors.
• Other duties as needed.

The post will involve some travel throughout Scotland meeting the membership and stakeholders. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required though neither are envisaged on a regular basis. This post does not have line management responsibility. Responsible to: CEO

Essential

• A degree or equivalent experience in media studies, journalism, public relations, communications, media design or a related subject.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver communications and advocacy strategies.
• Experience of strategic communications planning and/or campaigns and project management.
• A thorough working knowledge of communications management, media and social media.
• Confident in representing a high-profile organisation and sector across all media platforms.
• Excellent communications skills – clear speaking and writing style with a track record of networking, relationship building and presenting internally and externally.
• Website management and brand management

Desirable

• A knowledge of the community/social enterprise sector.
• Experience of delivering informal training or providing an advisory service.
• Marketing
• Knowledge of the Scottish, UK policy, sector and media landscape.
• Experience of media relations at local, regional and national level.
• Possession of a full driving license and access to car

The Person

• Have a strong work ethic, be keen to succeed, and be comfortable talking and communicating within and beyond the team.
• Be a strategic and creative thinker with a positive attitude.
• Be comfortable representing DTAS at external meetings with stakeholders.
• Be highly organised with a methodical approach to work.
• Flexibility in your approach and willing to take on other work as the sector and external agenda evolves.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and project management skills.
• Be a real team player.