Communication Specialist CS261

Communications Specialist (P/T, 23 hours), Thistle Foundation

At Thistle, we believe in a world free from isolation and loneliness, where a health crisis doesn't mean a life crisis. We support people living with long-term health conditions to live good lives and achieve what matters most to them.

We're looking for a part-time Communications Specialist (23 hours per week) to join our Communications Team at an exciting time as we develop and share a bold new ambition for our organisation.

At the heart of this role is storytelling. We're looking for someone who is collaborative and curious, with the ability to uncover powerful stories that help bring Thistle's impact to life and strengthen engagement with colleagues, supporters and our wider community.

As part of a small and collaborative communications team, you'll play a key role in delivering internal communications, supporter and donor stewardship communications and organisation-wide storytelling. You'll work closely with colleagues across Thistle to create content, share experiences and support communication activities that connect people to our ambition and impact.

What you'll do

• Lead the development and delivery of internal communications content that keeps colleagues and people in our community informed and connected to Thistle’s work and purpose.
• Develop engaging content and communications that strengthen relationships with supporters and donors demonstrating the impact of their support.
• Identify and develop compelling stories that demonstrate the impact of our work and the experiences of the people we support.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to bring a diverse range of voices and experiences into our communications.
• Support fundraising campaigns through effective planning and coordination.
• Contribute to the development of newsletters and reports e.g. annual Impact Report.

About you

We're looking for a talented communicator who is naturally curious about people and passionate about sharing their stories.

You'll bring:

• Excellent writing, editing and content creation skills.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative, approachable and adaptable working style.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Experience in internal communications, donor stewardship, the charity sector or Scotland's health and social care landscape would be an advantage.

We’re looking for someone who can commit to working a minimum of two days per week in our Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar, Edinburgh ideally on Thursdays and Fridays.

What we offer

· Permanent, part time role (23 hours per week)

· Salary: £28,736 pro rata (FTE equivalent 39 hours)

· 35 days of annual leave (pro rata)

· Contributory pension

· Non-contributory death in service benefit scheme

· Free access to the Thistle Gym

· Membership of the HSF Health Plan which includes: money back on everyday healthcare costs, a GP advice line and shopping discounts (this membership can be extended to cover immediate family after completion of probation)

Please click here to view the full job description.

Interested in joining us?

Send us your CV and a cover letter telling us why you'd like to work at Thistle and how your skills, experience and approach make you a great fit for the role. We’d particularly like to hear about your experience in relation to the key responsibilities and person specification.

We recognise that experience can be gained in different ways and welcome applications from people who have gained experience through work, study and/or volunteering.

Please submit your application to: recruitment@thistle.org.uk. Closing date 11.59pm, Sunday 30th August 2026.

Job Ref: CS261