22551 - Director of Communication, Scotland Office

About the role

This is not a traditional Civil Service role. This is an opportunity to lead a fundamental transformation in how the government informs and connects with citizens in an era of rapid technological change, evolving media consumption, and the critical challenge of building public trust. As the most senior communications advisor in your department and a member of the cross-government communications leadership group, you will actively lead and embrace change and innovation and have an entrepreneurial mindset bringing the team with you and championing continuous improvement. You will operate at the heart of government decision-making, shaping how policies and priorities are communicated to the public. Your work will directly influence the impact of government policy, democratic engagement, and the perception of government, both domestically and internationally. Audience-focused and insight-driven, you will bring consumer marketing and storytelling expertise to public service communication. You will boldly champion modern communications - leading the cultural shift from reactive, press-first communications to integrated always-on campaigns, embracing digital innovation, leveraging responsible AI and boldly putting citizens at the heart of our planning and delivery. You will be part of a senior peer network of Government Communications leaders, collectively responsible for a Civil Service profession of over 7,000 communicators across departments, agencies and arm’s-length bodies.

Working pattern: Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.

Location: Edinburgh, London (Region: London, Scotland).

Closing date: 11-Oct-2026.

Post type: Permanent.

Civil Service Grade: SCS 1.

Number of jobs available: 1.

Reserve list: 12 months.

Interview dates: Week commencing 9th November or 16th November 2026.

Security clearance required: Security Clearance (SC).

Use of Artificial Intelligence: AI can be a useful tool to support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism (including AI‑generated content presented as your own) may lead to withdrawal of application or disciplinary action.

Responsibilities

• Lead a fundamental transformation in government communications.
• Shape how policies and priorities are communicated to the public.
• Champion modern communications and lead the cultural shift from reactive, press‑first to integrated always‑on campaigns.
• Embrace digital innovation and leverage responsible AI.
• Put citizens at the heart of planning and delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement and entrepreneurial mindset within the team.
• Participate in the senior peer network of Government Communications leaders.

Skills

• Consumer marketing and storytelling expertise.
• Audience‑focused, insight‑driven approach.
• Leadership, changing and improving, seeing the big picture.
• Communicating and influencing.
• Delivering at pace.
• Digital innovation and responsible AI application.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and championing continuous improvement.