Research and comms assistant
5 days ago
Edinburgh
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 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.