Research and comms assistant

Salary: £30,912 - £36,406 Hours: This post may be offered on a full-time basis or split into two separate roles, subject to business needs. Location: Primarily based in Holyrood, with scope for hybrid working arrangements Graham Simpson MSP is looking for a Research & Comms Assistant to join his team based in Holyrood. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting Graham’s parliamentary duties and constituency work through thorough research and strategic communication. You will gain hands-on experience through gathering and analysing information on various topics, creating engaging content, and managing communication channels to effectively convey Graham’s objectives to his constituents across the Central Scotland region. Responsibilities Gathering and distributing valuable data that supports my activities. Keeping your knowledge of policy areas and local issues up-to-date. Carrying out research projects. Obtaining and compiling relevant research documents from external bodies. Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates. Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics. Collaborating with colleagues from different services areas across the Parliament. Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs, other elected representatives. Ensuring office is kept up-to-date with its relevant legislative and compliance obligations. Ensuring all office research complies with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements Checking for any updates to compliance related legislation and communicating changes to colleagues. Producing materials that effectively convey my aims to the general public and media. Keeping up to date with current media developments. Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. Corresponding with constituents and local campaign groups. Producing high quality press briefings, speeches, presentations and written materials. Following all media outlets to capture relevant developments as they happen. Maintaining information systems to support communications. Maintaining and growing social media presence. Drafting and posting social media content to update constituents on my parliamentary activities. Reviewing social media trends and briefing in issues of relevance to my parliamentary role. Please note, there may be scope for an additional post. Requirements Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales. Have analytical skills with the ability to identify and investigate trends while interpreting data. Have an interest in politics with the confidence to represent someone in a media-related capacity. Be creative in designing and communicating over a range of formats on different media platforms. Be able to respond flexibly and creatively to range of requests, such as media enquiries and press releases. Have flexibility using relevant IT skills and writing styles, covering both traditional and newer forms of media. Be able to work under your own initiative. A full driving licence would be advantageous to support Graham in attending events and meetings across the region. How to Apply: Please email your CV and a supporting statement to Graeme Mullin at Graeme.Mullin@Parliament.scot Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered. Be sure to include “Research & Comms Assistant - Job Application” in the subject line of your email. Closing Date: Friday 17 October at 11:59pm.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, GB

Posted Date: 10/20/2025