Use the power of a great story to make a difference for Scotland’s animals.
We’re looking for a Brand Journalist to uncover and tell the stories that only the Scottish SPCA can tell, creating authentic content that inspires action and brings people closer to our work.
If this sounds like the role for you, please read on for more information.
Job Title: Brand Journalist
Salary: Starting salary £28,774.20
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Location: Hybrid - HQ, Dunfermline and home (with regular travel across Scotland)
About the Scottish SPCA
Since 1839 the Scottish SPCA has existed for one reason – to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home. We rescue, protect and lead the conversation on animal welfare. We are Scotland’s animal champions.
You can watch a short video on our journey by clicking the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HqcRNHH6I&feature=youtu.be
What does a Brand Journalist do?
Our Brand Journalist powers our storytelling engine, finding, capturing and telling the rescue, rehabilitation and prevention stories that only the Scottish SPCA can tell, in our own voice.
This role builds a steady flow of authentic, owned content that brings our work to life and helps people understand the difference the Scottish SPCA makes every day. From supporter stories and fundraising campaigns to media content and internal communications, you’ll know how to shape a story for different audiences and channels.
Part reporter, part content creator, the Brand Journalist gets close to the work – at centres, on the road and in communities – and turns real stories into content that moves people to act, prompts new supporters to give and keeps existing ones close. You’ll need the curiosity to find the story, the creativity to tell it brilliantly and the judgement to know when a story needs to be handled with particular care and sensitivity.
Overview of main duties and responsibilities
Story Sourcing & Reporting
- Find and develop real stories from across the charity's work in rescue, rehabilitation and prevention.
- Build trusted relationships with frontline colleagues to surface stories sensitively and ethically.
- Identify opportunities for compelling stories and ensure they reflect the breadth and impact of the Scottish SPCA's work.
Content Creation
- Write and produce compelling multi-format content, including articles, interviews, scripts, social and web copy.
- Capture or coordinate photography and video to bring stories to life.
- Adapt stories and content for different audiences and channels while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
Owned-Content Engine
- Build a reliable pipeline of owned content that cuts reliance on paid media and agencies.
- Feed stories to media, campaigns and fundraising to support awareness and income.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Marketing & Communications to maximise the reach and impact of stories.
Brand & Ethics
- Tell stories in our own brand voice, always with care for the people and animals involved.
- Ensure content is accurate, authentic, sensitive and ethically produced.
- Handle sensitive stories and subject matter with appropriate discretion and professional judgement.
Internal Communications
- Support internal communications that keep colleagues and volunteers informed and engaged.
- Help share stories that celebrate the work of colleagues and volunteers across the organisation.
Team Working
- Work closely with the Communications Manager and wider Marketing & Communications team to develop and deliver the Scottish SPCA's storytelling strategy.
- This is a small, focused and efficient team, where everyone plays an important role, works collaboratively and takes ownership of delivering high-quality storytelling and content.
What makes a good Brand Journalist?
We welcome applicants who meet the essential criteria and are excited to grow into the rest.
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to a good standard, or with equivalent experience.
- A portfolio of published or produced content, including writing, video or multimedia.
Desirable
- Qualification in journalism, communications or media.
Experience & Job Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of journalism, content creation or storytelling for an audience.
- Experience of writing and producing across formats.
Desirable
- Experience of photography or video capture and editing.
- Experience in a cause, campaigning or news environment.
Job Related Skills / Competencies
Essential
- Outstanding storytelling and writing, with a strong news and human-interest sense.
- Able to work sensitively with people and difficult subject matter.
- Self-starting, able to find stories and turn them around quickly.
Desirable
- Multimedia production skills, including photography, video and audio.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and a real commitment to our purpose to rescue, protect and lead.
- A warm, collaborative colleague who builds trust and brings people with them.
- Resilient and calm under pressure, with sound judgement in sensitive or high-profile situations.
- Curious and open to learning, comfortable with change and always looking to improve.
- High personal integrity, discretion and a strong sense of accountability for their work.
- A natural storyteller with warmth, curiosity and integrity.
Desirable
- A supporter-first mindset, always asking how a decision feels from the other side.
- Comfortable using data and evidence to shape decisions and tell a story.
Additional Relevant Criteria
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work travel.
We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.
Scottish Charity No SC 006467
