Policy and Communications Manager

Job Introduction

Do you want to help shape empty homes policy and influence change across Scotland? Join Shelter Scotland as our Policy and Communications Manager and play a leading role in developing evidence-based policy, influencing decision makers and raising the profile of empty homes as part of the solution to Scotland's housing emergency.

About the role

This a senior role within the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) team which brings together policy development and communications leadership and will play an integral part in helping the team achieve their strategic aims. This role will work closely with another manager and provide cover for the National Manager.

Role specifics

This role leads the development of evidence-based policy that helps shape Scotland’s approach to bringing empty homes back into use. You'll provide leadership across policy, communications and strategic projects, working with local authorities, partners and the media to influence change and raise the profile of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP). You'll also lead and support a small team, oversee key publications and reports, contribute to major events, and ensure the successful delivery of SEHP's strategic priorities.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Part of an award-winning Communication & Policy Department, our Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) is a Scottish Government funded project aimed at enabling private sector empty homes to be brought back into use across Scotland. The Partnership achieves this via a mix of policy work, capacity building, training, best practice sharing and awareness raising across the sector. It’s also home to the national Empty Homes Advice Service - a public facing advice service that anyone can contact for help or to report an empty home. Most recently we have launched a National Matchmaker Service which aims to match owners of empty homes with potential buyers, ensuring that less homes continue to remain empty.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit your work history and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should include your responses to the points in the ‘About You’ section of the job description of no more than 350 words each. 

Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below in your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

About Shelter Scotland 

 Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

 Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.