Head of Communications & Engagement

The SFRS protects one of the largest geographical areas of any Fire and Rescue Service with over 350 Community Fire Stations and corporate locations across Scotland.  We manage a diverse range of risks, from urban cities to remote and rural island locations.   

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership across all internal and external communications and engagement activity. You’ll guide the organisation’s narrative, strengthen relationships with critical partners, and advise senior leaders within a complex political and public sector environment. 

You will shape how SFRS engages with diverse communities, staff, government, media and partners – championing best practice, transparency, and innovation. Your work will help ensure that our people, stakeholders and the public are well informed, connected and inspired as we deliver our mission of working together for a safer Scotland. 

This is a politically restricted role due to its strategic scope and influence. 

Strategic Communications & Engagement 

• Set and deliver a national communications and engagement strategy aligned to SFRS corporate priorities. 

• Provide expert strategic advice to the Chief Officer, Executive Boards and the Strategic Leadership Team on emerging political and partnership issues. 

• Lead high‑impact campaigns, change communications and corporate messaging across Scotland. 

• Shape and protect SFRS’s reputation through proactive, evidence‑based external communications. 

Stakeholder & Political Engagement 

• Build effective relationships with Scottish Government, UK Government, local authorities, representative bodies and partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

• Support parliamentary scrutiny, media engagement, consultations and senior-level briefings. 

• Lead public consultation processes and strengthen SFRS’s national presence and influence. 

Internal Communications & Workforce Engagement 

• Develop and deliver an engaging internal communications strategy to ensure staff feel informed, connected and valued. 

• Inspire a culture of openness and two‑way communication, ensuring employees can meaningfully shape how services are delivered. 

Leadership & Management 

• Lead a high-performing Communications & Engagement function, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. 

• Manage budgets, resources, contracts and risks to ensure best value for the organisation. 

• Represent SFRS at national boards, committees and external forums. 

We’re looking for a senior communications leader with exceptional strategic insight, political awareness and relationship‑building expertise. You will bring: 

Essential 

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant professional discipline. 

• Significant experience leading strategic communications and engagement in a complex, politically sensitive environment. 

• Strong capability in internal and external communications, media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement. 

• A proven track record in delivering public‑sector communications, consultations and high‑impact campaigns. 

• Outstanding influencing, interpersonal and presentation skills. 

• Experience managing budgets, risk and organisational performance. 

• Personal resilience, strong judgement, and the ability to thrive under pressure. 

Desirable 

• Experience advising executive leaders on political matters. 

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of fire and rescue services in Scotland. 

• Knowledge of GCS/AMEC frameworks. 

• Experience in project planning and governance. 

SFRS offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at national scale — supporting safer communities and shaping the future of a vital public service. You will join a highly committed leadership team working in partnership to deliver meaningful and lasting impact across Scotland.