The Communications Assistant provides administrative and practical support across the Communications Team, helping to deliver a wide range of communications, engagement and events activities.
Working alongside colleagues across the Hutton, the postholder will support the delivery of internal communications, digital content, events, marketing materials and merchandising projects. The role is ideal for someone who is highly organised, enjoys planning and coordinating activities, has excellent attention to detail, and is keen to develop their knowledge and experience across communications, events and digital platforms.
This is a developmental role suited to an individual who is enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to contribute ideas while supporting the wider Communications Team.
This post is fixed term until the end of March 2027.
Main duties and responsibilities
Communications support
- Support the production and distribution of internal and external communications, including newsletters, mailers and employee communications.
- Assist with gathering information from colleagues across the Hutton for communication activities.
- Support in the drafting and formatting of communications content for review by senior members of the Communications Team.
- Help maintain communications calendars, schedules and planning documents.
- Support the Communications Team administrative processes, including meeting coordination, note-taking and action tracking.
- Conduct research to support campaigns, projects, events and communication activities.
- Assist in maintaining contact databases and mailing lists.
Events and engagement
- Support the Events and Engagement Manager in the planning and delivery of Hutton events, exhibitions, conferences and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Assist with event administration, including registrations, attendee communications and coordination of materials.
- Help prepare event resources, displays, promotional materials and merchandise.
- Provide on-site support before, during and after events.
- Assist with event logistics, supplier liaison and equipment organisation.
- Support post-event evaluation activities and feedback collection.
Digital communications and intranet support
- Assist in updating and maintaining content on the Hutton intranet and website.
- Support the collection, organisation and validation of information provided by departments.
- Carry out content checks to ensure information is accurate, consistent and up to date.
- Support the Communications Team in uploading content to digital platforms.
- Assist with basic monitoring of digital communications activity and user feedback.
- Help develop and maintain content libraries, templates and guidance materials.
Merchandise and promotional materials
- Support the development and ordering of branded merchandise and promotional materials.
- Assist with maintaining stock records and merchandise inventories.
- Coordinate merchandise requests and fulfilment of orders across the organisation.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding quotations, deliveries and product specifications.
- Support the preparation of materials for events, campaigns and outreach activities.
General
- Build positive working relationships with colleagues across the Hutton.
- Contribute ideas and suggestions to improve communications activities and audience engagement.
- Ensure all communications activities align with Institute brand guidelines and policies.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
- Actively participate in personal learning and development opportunities.
Person specification
Essential qualifications
- Educated to HNC/HND level or equivalent experience in a relevant subject area such as Communications, Marketing, Events, Digital Media, Business Administration or similar.
Essential knowledge, skills and experience
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of people.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn new systems, digital platforms and communications skills.
- Creative approach and enthusiasm for developing new ideas.
- Ability to gather, organise and present information clearly.
- Positive, flexible and proactive attitude.
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience of supporting events, communications activities or administrative projects through employment, education or volunteering.
- Experience using websites, intranet systems, SharePoint or content management systems.
- Experience using email marketing platforms, newsletters or social media channels.
- Experience coordinating information from multiple stakeholders.
- Experience working with merchandise, stock management or promotional materials.
Interview date
Interviews are scheduled for 30 September 2026.
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
