Job title: Communications & Public Affairs Manager | Grade: 7 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £61,820 p/a | Directorate: Strategic Development | Department: Communications | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 21 June 2026 (23:55)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Communications & Public Affairs Manager to lead SLAB’s communications function.
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Development, you will lead the development, delivery and evaluation of communications activity across the organisation. You will promote best practice in communications, lead our public affairs work in a changing political environment, and act as SLAB’s senior media contact.
This is a high-profile role, working closely with senior leaders, Board members and external partners to ensure our communications are clear, accessible and aligned with our corporate objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
leading SLAB’s communications strategy and annual action plans
delivering effective internal and external communications
managing media relations, stakeholder engagement and public affairs activity
acting as the senior media lead, including handling enquiries and supporting proactive media work
providing expert communications advice to senior leaders and the Board
managing digital communications channels and improving communications through feedback and insight
building strong relationships with key partners across the justice sector
managing communications-related services, suppliers and budgets.
To succeed in this role, you will need:
significant senior press and media experience
excellent written and verbal communication skills
strong relationship-building and influencing skills
experience of working with senior stakeholders and external partners
extensive experience of communications planning, delivery and evaluation
experience across media, digital communications, web content and social media
strong project management and organisational skills
the ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and maintain confidentiality.
What we offer:
A meaningful role where your work makes a real impact
A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven working environment
Opportunities for learning and professional development
Flexible working to support a healthy work-life balance
A competitive salary and benefits package, including pension contributions
Generous annual leave entitlement (34 days, rising to 42 days after two years’ service)
Enhanced family-friendly leave entitlements
Access to wellbeing support, mental health support, and an employee assistance programme
Access to a wide range of discounts (including gym and retail) and the Cycle to Work scheme through our partner, Edenred.
For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description.
For assistance, please email recruitment@slab.org.uk.
Completed applications should be returned by Sunday, 21 June 2026.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all individuals in Scotland. As a non-departmental public body, SLAB operates independently but is accountable to the Scottish Government. Our mission is simple: to provide essential legal support to those who need it most, ensuring fair access to justice for all.
We manage and continually improve the delivery of publicly funded legal assistance and provide strategic advice to Scottish Ministers, shaping the future of legal aid in Scotland. In a dynamic and evolving legal landscape, our work is central to the functioning of the justice system, supporting the courts and helping people navigate complex legal matters.
At SLAB, we believe in the power of a diverse, talented workforce. We employ individuals from all backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and experiences to our workforce. Every role, whether directly interacting with the public or providing behind-the-scenes support, makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
We offer an inclusive, supportive work environment with a comprehensive employment package. To learn more about working with SLAB and the benefits we offer, please visit www.slab.org.uk/recruitment/working-for-us.
We are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to being fair, inclusive and a place where all belong.
We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.
We will ensure that the disclosure of disability status will not negatively impact anyone’s application. Where reasonable, we are committed to guaranteeing an interview to every applicant who indicates they have a disability, under the Equality Act 2010, and meets the minimum criteria for the role.
For further information on SLAB’s services, values, and how the legal aid system works, please visit www.slab.org.uk.
