We are recruiting: Deputy Director, Strategy & Communications

The Scotch Whisky Association is seeking to appoint a Deputy Director for the Strategy and Communications Team. The role is based in London. 

The Role

The Deputy Director reports to the Director, Strategy and Communication to work across the Association to advance the Scotch Whisky industry’s priorities, particularly within government and political spheres and more broadly through communication channels that reach and influence our members and stakeholders.  This team ensures that industry messages and priorities are communicated, understood and have impact so as to make a difference. 

The Strategy and Communications Team is split between the SWA’s London and Edinburgh offices and the Deputy Director would have team management responsibilities, particularly for the team based in London.  Although this role is based in London, there is an expectation that there will be regular travel between the two offices, to industry sites in Scotland, and possibly overseas if the need arises. 

The Opportunity

As a Deputy Director you will play an active role in the SWA leadership team, shaping the work and developing the strategy of the Association whilst playing a key role in developing relationships within government and elsewhere to further the priorities of one of the leading exporting industries in Scotland and the UK.

Your background and experience

We are looking for someone who understands politics and influencing politicians and government.  Direct experience of working in, or closely with, government; for or with political parties; or in a government and/or public facing role in a corporate or business context is important.  Critical too is a proven capacity to think strategically and find imaginative solutions to complex policy problems on behalf of an organisation or an industry.  You must be able to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including at the highest levels of government, and communicate clearly and with impact.  Leadership and team management experience is essential to the role.

Essential

• Politically astute, excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence, build and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Network of contacts in Westminster, including MPs, special advisors and officials
• Experience of developing detailed policy proposals on complex issues and execute strategies to advance agreed priorities
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, and ability to articulate SWA priorities through the media and in other platforms
• Proven leadership skills and behaviours and a clear ability to use these to create and deliver through highly engaged, highly performing teams
• Experience of line-management and track record of motivating a team

Desired

• Working knowledge of a relevant policy area i.e alcohol health policy and/or sustainability
• Network on contacts in the lobby press and on-camera interview experience

Please send a CV and cover letter to swajobs@gravitatehr.co.uk by midnight on Friday 20^th December 2019.

Interviews are likely to take place in London in January 2020.