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Vacancy: Senior Government Relations and Communications Advisor

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Senior Government Relations and Communications Advisor to join our team.

  • Location: Aberdeen, Edinburgh or London (with travel across UK)
  • Reporting to: Managing Partner / Head of Government Relations
  • Salary: TBC

About True North

True North Advisors is Scotland's fastest-growing strategic communications and advisory businesses, working with some of the UK's most exciting and influential companies and organisations.

Headquartered in Aberdeen, with offices in Edinburgh and London, we operate at the intersection of business, politics and the media, helping our clients navigate complex challenges, build their reputations and achieve their strategic objectives.

Our clients include major international businesses, industry leaders and ambitious organisations operating across energy, infrastructure, financial services, and construction, life sciences and other key sectors of the economy.

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and politically astute communications professional to play a key role in one of Scotland's most dynamic advisory businesses.

You will work directly with senior business leaders, policymakers and stakeholders, providing strategic advice and delivering impactful public affairs and communications campaigns.

The successful candidate will combine a strong understanding of the political and media landscape with outstanding communication skills, sound commercial judgement and the confidence and professionalism required to manage client relationships.

You will be equally comfortable developing a public affairs strategy, advising a chief executive, engaging with politicians, drafting a compelling media statement or delivering a high-profile campaign.

Above all, we are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with the energy and determination to get things done.

Key responsibilities

Public affairs and political engagement:

  • Develop and deliver public affairs strategies that help clients navigate political, regulatory and policy challenges.

  • Build and maintain relationships with politicians, government officials, industry bodies, senior business contacts and other influential stakeholders.

  • Monitor and interpret political and policy developments at Westminster, Holyrood and local government level, identifying opportunities and risks for clients.

  • Prepare political briefings, policy submissions, consultation responses and stakeholder engagement plans.

  • Support clients in communicating their priorities to government and other decision-makers.

  • Plan and deliver political engagement programmes, roundtables, events and stakeholder meetings.

Strategic communications and media relations:

  • Provide strategic communications advice to senior executives and client leadership teams.

  • Develop and implement integrated communications strategies that support clients' business objectives.

  • Draft high-quality media releases, speeches, opinion pieces, articles, briefings and other communications materials.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors and media organisations.

  • Identify opportunities to secure positive media coverage and strengthen clients' public profiles.

  • Support clients with reputation management, issues management and crisis communications.

  • Develop compelling narratives and campaigns that influence public debate and build stakeholder understanding.

Client management and delivery:

  • Take day-to-day responsibility for a portfolio of clients, building trusted relationships and delivering consistently high standards of service.

  • Understand clients' commercial objectives and provide proactive, practical and well-informed advice.

  • Manage multiple projects and campaigns, ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget and to an exceptional standard.

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across True North's public affairs, communications, marketing, digital and events teams.

  • Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and contribute to new business proposals and pitches.

  • Represent True North professionally at client meetings, industry events and external engagements.

About you

We are looking for someone who is intelligent, curious, ambitious and confident operating in high-profile business and political environments.

You will bring:

  • Relevant experience: A strong track record in public affairs, strategic communications, journalism, government, politics or a related discipline, ideally gained in an agency, corporate or political environment.

  • Political understanding: An advanced understanding of the Scottish and UK political landscapes, parliamentary processes and the relationship between business and government.

  • Exceptional writing skills: The ability to turn complex issues into clear, compelling and persuasive communications for different audiences.

  • Strong relationships: The confidence and interpersonal skills to engage with senior business leaders, politicians, journalists and other influential stakeholders. A strong contact book is essential.

  • Strategic judgement: The ability to understand the bigger picture, anticipate developments and provide sound, practical advice.

  • Commercial awareness: An appreciation of the challenges facing businesses and the importance of delivering measurable value for clients.

  • Personal drive: A proactive, resourceful and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Experience in energy, infrastructure, economic development or other highly regulated sectors would be advantageous, but is not essential.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate a combination of political insight, excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.

What we offer

  • The opportunity to work with some of the UK's most prominent businesses and organisations.

  • Hands on experience working alongside senior business executives, political leaders and decision-makers.

  • A varied and stimulating role spanning public affairs, communications, reputation management and strategic advisory work.

  • The chance to play a meaningful part in the continued growth of an ambitious Scottish business.

  • A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where good ideas are encouraged and individuals are trusted to take responsibility.

  • Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter to makechangehappen@truenorth.scot

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 20th November 2026.