Communications Officer

About BEFS

Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is the strategic intermediary body for Scotland’s built environment sector, bringing together civic, voluntary, and professional organisations that operate at the national level. As an umbrella organisation, BEFS informs, debates and advocates on strategic issues and policies affecting the built environment. Our aim is to communicate the importance of Scotland’s built and historic environment to policy makers at all levels of government, private owners and investors, and among professionals and voluntary organisations.

BEFS is core‑funded via Historic Environment Scotland. Funding is in place until 31 March 2028.

Lead the communication activities of BEFS, working closely with the BEFS team, Board, Director and Member organisations to amplify the sector’s policy interests and ensure BEFS’s role as a trusted and informed sector voice is reflected across all communications channels.

• Lead on drafting and publishing the BEFS bi‑monthly bulletin.
• Manage and develop BEFS digital communications, including the website, social media and digital engagement platforms.
• Horizon scan, monitor and engage with Members’ communications and social media output.
• Provide a consistent and informed voice for BEFS communications outputs across all channels.
• Proactively maintain an outcome‑led communications strategy that aligns with BEFS organisational objectives and strategies (e.g. BEFS Manifesto).
• Ensure the delivery of BEFS communications strategy enhances outputs; manage, monitor and report on effectiveness, including media relations.
• Work with the BEFS team to develop advocacy and communication toolkits supporting sector advocacy and climate advocacy.
• Support the BEFS team in developing advocacy campaigns and facilitating events.
• Report: contribute to regular reports to funders and the BEFS Board.
• Participate actively as part of a small and agile team, supporting and working with colleagues as necessary.
• Undertake other duties as may be required.

• Confident communicator with strong written and inter‑personal skills.
• Proven experience of using a wide range of digital communication methods, including websites, social media, news releases, and press liaison.
• Understanding of the key issues affecting the existing and historic environment, with knowledge of the main players and lead organisations in the built environment sector.
• Interest in Scotland’s existing built environment.
• Ability to demonstrate experience that meets the responsibilities outlined above.

If invited to interview, you will be asked to demonstrate how your experience meets the requirements of the post. We will look for evidence of past experience and your approach to the key responsibilities.