Salary: £30,912 - £36,406 

Hours: This post may be offered on a full-time basis or split into two separate roles, subject to business needs.

Location: Primarily based in Holyrood, with scope for hybrid working arrangements

Graham Simpson MSP is looking for a Research & Comms Assistant to join his team based in Holyrood. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting Graham’s parliamentary duties and constituency work through thorough research and strategic communication. You will gain hands-on experience through gathering and analysing information on various topics, creating engaging content, and managing communication channels to effectively convey Graham’s objectives to his constituents across the Central Scotland region. 

Responsibilities

• Gathering and distributing valuable data that supports my activities.
• Keeping your knowledge of policy areas and local issues up-to-date.
• Carrying out research projects.
• Obtaining and compiling relevant research documents from external bodies.
• Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates.
• Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
• Collaborating with colleagues from different services areas across the Parliament.
• Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs, other elected representatives.
• Ensuring office is kept up-to-date with its relevant legislative and compliance obligations.
• Ensuring all office research complies with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements
• Checking for any updates to compliance related legislation and communicating changes to colleagues.
• Producing materials that effectively convey my aims to the general public and media.
• Keeping up to date with current media developments.
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
• Corresponding with constituents and local campaign groups.
• Producing high quality press briefings, speeches, presentations and written materials.
• Following all media outlets to capture relevant developments as they happen.
• Maintaining information systems to support communications.
• Maintaining and growing social media presence.
• Drafting and posting social media content to update constituents on my parliamentary activities.
• Reviewing social media trends and briefing in issues of relevance to my parliamentary role.

Please note, there may be scope for an additional post.

Requirements

• Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales.
• Have analytical skills with the ability to identify and investigate trends while interpreting data.
• Have an interest in politics with the confidence to represent someone in a media-related capacity.
• Be creative in designing and communicating over a range of formats on different media platforms.
• Be able to respond flexibly and creatively to range of requests, such as media enquiries and press releases.
• Have flexibility using relevant IT skills and writing styles, covering both traditional and newer forms of media.
• Be able to work under your own initiative.
• A full driving licence would be advantageous to support Graham in attending events and meetings across the region. 

How to Apply:

Please email your CV and a supporting statement to Graeme Mullin at Graeme.Mullin@Parliament.scot

Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered. Be sure to include “Research & Comms Assistant - Job Application” in the subject line of your email. 

Closing Date: Friday 17 October at 11:59pm.