Public Affairs Manager

Position:            Full-time permanent

Reporting to:    ScotlandDirector

Based:              Edinburgh office 

At an exciting and challenging time inScotland, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual to take forward our policy and political advocacy work. 

As Public Affairs Manager for the Woodland Trust Scotland you will report to the Scotland Director and sit on the Scottish management team. Your role will be to take lead responsibility for forging and managing the Trust’s relationships with key Scottish political audiences, including the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government and its agencies. 

You will use your ability to think strategically to plan and deliver policy and advocacy work on priority areas, including woodland creation and protection. You will work closely with theScotlandDirector and having the ability to work well on your own and with an eye for detail are a must. This role combines close working with theScotlandteam and teams in the UK Public Affairs department. It will be your role to engage and support these teams to deliver our objectives. This will include, for example, planning and delivering public affairs plans for key projects and visits with MSPs to our sites and community events. On a day to day level you will present the Trust's views in appropriate external working groups and keep your finger on the pulse in relevant policy areas. 

You will have a background in influencing policy and a strong understanding of current affairs, along with the ability to absorb large amounts of information and distil the essential points. Ideally you will have experience in the environmental sector. Experience before Scottish Parliament committees and the media would also be an advantage. 

You will be committed to the Trust's aims and approach and have the ability to represent our organisational policies through excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will also have strong networking skills and an excellent understanding of Scottish politics.

The successful candidate will be a skilled government relations/public affairs practitioner. This role will require regular travel inScotland, with some travel in theUKand will include overnight stays. Occasional weekend working may also be necessary.

For more information and how to apply visit  www.woodlandtrust.org.uk 

Closing Date:13 February 2013

Interview date: w/c25 February 2013inEdinburgh