Head of Communications & Engagement

The SFRS protects one of the largest geographical areas of any Fire and Rescue Service with over 350 Community Fire Stations and corporate locations across Scotland . We manage a diverse range of risks, from urban cities to remote and rural island locations .

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership across all internal and external communications and engagement activity.You'llguide the organisation's narrative, strengthen relationships with critical partners, and advise senior leaders within a complex political and publicsector environment.

You will shape how SFRS engages with diverse communities, staff, government,mediaand partners-championing best practice, transparency, and innovation. Your work will help ensure that our people,stakeholdersand the public are wellinformed, connected and inspired as we deliver our mission of working together for a safer Scotland.

This is a politically restricted role due to its strategic scope and influence.

Strategic Communications & Engagement

• Set and deliver a national communications and engagement strategy aligned to SFRS corporate priorities.
• Provideexpert strategic advice to the Chief Officer, ExecutiveBoardsand the Strategic Leadership Team on emerging political and partnership issues.
• Lead high impact campaigns, change communications and corporate messaging across Scotland.
• Shape and protect SFRS's reputation through proactive, evidence based external communications.

Stakeholder & Political Engagement

• Build effective relationships with Scottish Government, UK Government, local authorities, representativebodiesand partners across the public,privateand voluntary sectors.
• Support parliamentary scrutiny, media engagement,consultationsand senior-level briefings.
• Lead public consultation processes and strengthen SFRS's national presence and influence.

Internal Communications & Workforce Engagement

• Develop and deliver an engaging internal communications strategy to ensure staff feel informed,connectedand valued.
• Inspire a culture of openness and two way communication, ensuring employees can meaningfully shape how services are delivered.

Leadership & Management

• Lead a high-performing Communications & Engagement function, fostering a culture of collaboration,innovationand continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets, resources,contractsand risks to ensure best value for the organisation.
• Represent SFRS at national boards,committeesand external forums.

We'relooking for a senior communications leader with exceptional strategic insight, politicalawarenessand relationship buildingexpertise. You will bring:

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant professional discipline.
• Significant experienceleading strategic communications and engagement in a complex, politically sensitive environment.
• Strong capability in internal and external communications, media relations, digitalcommunicationsand stakeholder engagement.
• A proventrack recordin delivering public sector communications,consultationsand high impact campaigns.
• Outstanding influencing, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Experience managing budgets,riskand organisational performance.
• Personal resilience, strong judgement, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Experience advising executive leaders on political matters.
• Understanding of the strategic landscape of fire and rescue services in Scotland.
• Knowledge of GCS/AMEC frameworks.
• Experience in project planning and governance.

SFRS offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at national scale - supporting safer communities and shaping the future of a vital public service. You will join a highly committed leadership team working in partnership to deliver meaningful and lasting impact across Scotland.

For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Jaclyn Needham orcall the Edinburgh office on . Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 10th April 2026 at 12:00 noon.

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