Communications and Public Affairs Manager

Job title: Communications & Public Affairs Manager | Grade: 7 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £61,820 p/a | Directorate: Strategic Development | Department: Communications | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 21 June 2026 (23:55)

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Communications & Public Affairs Manager to lead SLAB’s communications function.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Development, you will lead the development, delivery and evaluation of communications activity across the organisation. You will promote best practice in communications, lead our public affairs work in a changing political environment, and act as SLAB’s senior media contact.

This is a high-profile role, working closely with senior leaders, Board members and external partners to ensure our communications are clear, accessible and aligned with our corporate objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• leading SLAB’s communications strategy and annual action plans
• delivering effective internal and external communications
• managing media relations, stakeholder engagement and public affairs activity
• acting as the senior media lead, including handling enquiries and supporting proactive media work
• providing expert communications advice to senior leaders and the Board
• managing digital communications channels and improving communications through feedback and insight
• building strong relationships with key partners across the justice sector
• managing communications-related services, suppliers and budgets.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• significant senior press and media experience
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• strong relationship-building and influencing skills
• experience of working with senior stakeholders and external partners
• extensive experience of communications planning, delivery and evaluation
• experience across media, digital communications, web content and social media
• strong project management and organisational skills
• the ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and maintain confidentiality.

What we offer:

• A meaningful role where your work makes a real impact
• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven working environment
• Opportunities for learning and professional development
• Flexible working to support a healthy work-life balance
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including pension contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement (34 days, rising to 42 days after two years’ service)
• Enhanced family-friendly leave entitlements
• Access to wellbeing support, mental health support, and an employee assistance programme
• Access to a wide range of discounts (including gym and retail) and the Cycle to Work scheme through our partner, Edenred.

For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description.

Completed applications should be returned by Sunday, 21 June 2026.