Communications Manager

Job content

Bipolar Scotland is the Scottish national charity for people living with bipolar. It is estimated that between 100,000 – 150,000 people in Scotland live with bipolar, though not all have been diagnosed. Bipolar is a mental illness characterised by significant mood swings, including manic highs and depressive lows, and most individuals with bipolar disorder experience alternating episodes of mania and depression.

For almost 30 years, Bipolar Scotland has developed extensive experience of minimising the impact of bipolar through a range of services and support including self-help groups and self-management training. The organisation is peer-led by those with lived experience, carers and supporters and they recognise that while the illness can be managed through a blend of medication, psychological therapies and self-management – everyone must find the balance of treatments and therapies that works for them.

From the 100,000 – 150,000 people living with bipolar in Scotland, the charity currently has 400 members and in 2020 supported over 2,500 unique individuals. This has had a significant impact as people realise, they are not alone. However, these numbers show that there is a significant number of individuals not receiving support that would undoubtedly improve their quality of life.

Bipolar Scotland is now on the cusp of launching “A Time to Move Forward” – their new strategic plan that will support their members through the initial post-pandemic period but also allow the organisation to build and grow and to expand the scope and range of its work over the next 5-years. They want their successful charity to do more and do it better. The strategy aims to empower and support, influence and campaign, and grow and improve Bipolar Scotland in support of those living with bipolar disorder.

Alongside implementing a new 5-year strategic plan, Bipolar Scotland celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2022. It is an exciting time for a communications professional to join and spearhead the charity’s communications strategy and lead on exciting engagement projects.

The Communications Manager will be responsible for leading, managing and coordinating a communications strategy and associated activity for Bipolar Scotland. This will support and enhance the delivery of the charity’s new 5-year strategic plan to ensure a good life for everyone in Scotland who lives with bipolar by inspiring members to improve their quality of life and increase public awareness of bipolar. Your work will be central in growing engagement with new members and raising public awareness.

To be considered for the role of Communications Manager at Bipolar Scotland, you must have experience working in a multi-function communications role and have had managerial responsibility. You will demonstrate experience and ability in devising, implementing and managing a communications strategy. Website management and experience working on complex projects or campaigns with multiple stakeholders are required. A track record of project planning and working to deadlines will support your application. You must be confident and experienced in handling media enquiries and writing and pitching press releases. Bipolar Scotland needs someone who has excellent copywriting skills and strong verbal communication.
How To Apply

Please contact BTA to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.

Closing Date: Midday, Friday 30th July

Interview Date: Thursday 12th August

This search is being conducted exclusively for Bipolar Scotland by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

Application deadline: 30/07/2021

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £27,060.00 per year