Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Head of Communications & Public Affairs
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Head of Communications & Public Affairs
Head of Communications & Public Affairs
Position: Full-time, permanent Location: Edinburgh (hq), with travel to RBGE gardens across Scotland and wider UK Salary: £65,964–£72,658 (plus Civil Service pension, generous holiday, family-friendly policies, and garden entry discounts)
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and influential leader to spearhead Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s (RBGE) strategic communications and public affairs in this vital role. As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll champion RBGE’s global impact in science, conservation, horticulture, and education—elevating our work through bold storytelling, policy influence, and media presence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications Leadership:
- Expand RBGE’s national and international profile through high-impact campaigns, media narratives, and key messaging.
- Oversee communicating RBGE’s science and conservation priorities, showcasing expertise before UK media (e.g. BBC, print) and global platforms.
Policy Engagement:
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Regius Keeper (CEO) and Senior Executive Team on aligning communications with Scottish and UK government priorities.
- Cultivate strategic relationships with political stakeholders, multi-sector leaders, and influencers to advance RBGE’s policy goals—particularly in biodiversity and climate change.
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Team & Operational Leadership:
- Direct the Press Manager and Publications Editors, fostering cross-functional collaboration with horticultural, scientific, and education teams.
- Develop and deliver PR strategies and media relations, yielding broad, quality coverage across mainstream outlets.
скорость and Institutions:
- Tactically engage external audiences, operationalising RBGE’s brand and excellence to address critical societal needs.
Essential Requirements
Experience & Expertise:
- Legacy or degree-level equivalent, augmented by substantial senior communications/press/journalism experience (minimum 7+ years).
- Proven track record leading high-impact communications campaigns, including:
- Crafting and distributing strategic press releases/pitches winning national/international coverage (e.g. BBC, UK/newspapers).
- Exceptional UK political landscape knowledge, with experience navigating and influencing policy stakeholders.
- Dynamic leadership managing public affairs and cross-disciplinary communications—spanning traditional PR, storytelling, and government relations.
- Layered media engagement skills: Securing feature/opinion coverage while integrating media monitoring/ROI analytics.
- Robust ** copywriting (including editing literary works), reporting, public speaking, and ** Cagliari diplomacy skills.
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Person-Specific Competencies:
- Strategic thinking: Using data-informed insights to shape communications narratives and optimise impact.
- Driving budgetary efficiency, unlocking investments via communications strategies or grants.
- Flexibility to support time-sensitive events outside standard hours as required.
- Passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public institutions.
Application Details
Closing Date: 9:00am, Monday 20 July 2026 First Interview: 30 July 2026 Second Interview: 5 August 2026
Apply:** Visit our wards’ application page for the full job description, person specification, and application guide.
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