Community Cohesion Policy Manager - B3

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Community Cohesion Policy Manager leads Scottish Government work to strengthen and promote a coherent national approach and narrative to community cohesion. The role is responsible for developing and embedding aligned language, narrative and policy approaches across government, ensuring that strategic intent is reflected in practical delivery. Working collaboratively across policy areas and with external partners, the postholder builds shared understanding of community cohesion, informs policy development and supports coordinated action that strengthens inclusive, resilient and connected communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead policy development to strengthen and align Scottish Government narrative, language and approaches on community cohesion across portfolios and areas of delivery.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders, community representatives and delivery partners to inform policy, support co-design and enable collaborative delivery.
• Maintain dialogue and post-publication coordination of the Joint Statement on Community Cohesion with COSLA as the main point of contact for this work
• Work closely with key partners, including COSLA, Police Scotland and the third sector, to develop and deliver shared priorities on community cohesion.
• Act as Chair and Secretariat for the Scottish Government Cohesion Group, driving cross-government collaboration and strategic coordination
• Work closely with communications and marketing colleagues to shape the strategic approach, policy intent and narrative underpinning community cohesion campaigns and engagement activity across Scotland, ensuring messaging aligns with wider policy objectives and responding effectively to feedback from stakeholders, communities and members of the public.
• Lead the delivery of the £500,000 Community Cohesion Fund (2026-27), working with STV Children's Appeal as fund distributor, including programme oversight, evaluation, stakeholder engagement and Ministerial visits.
• Organise and coordinate Stronger Communities Week 2027, working across government and with external partners to maximise engagement and impact
• Support and contribute to work associated with the Ministerial Taskforce for Cohesion, ensuring effective policy alignment and delivery across related workstreams.
• Attendance at groups such as Good Relations Reference Group and other governance structure meetings that focus on community cohesion
• Attendance at meetings with UKG/MHCLG and other Devolved Government counterparts on cohesion to understand UK wide policy focus and emerging issues, maintaining good and communicative relationships
• Work closely with colleagues leading Hate Prevention, Community Reassurance, Faith and Belief, and Hate Crime policy to embed community cohesion considerations within policy development and key deliverables.
• Increase cross-government awareness and understanding of community cohesion, supporting greater consistency of language, policy direction and delivery across areas including community safety and prevention, health, housing, culture and justice.
• Provide strategic advice to Ministers and senior officials on emerging issues, opportunities and evidence relating to community cohesion.
• Line management responsibility for 1x B2 policy officer for cohesion and 0.5 task management responsibility of 1x B1 policy officer for cohesion/faith and belief.

Experience

You will have:

• Experience of developing, implementing or influencing policy, programmes, projects or strategic initiatives.
• Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
• Experience of providing clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to senior leaders or decision-makers.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes within tight timescales.
• Experience of working collaboratively across teams, organisations or sectors to achieve shared objectives.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months (until November 2026).

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Thursday 15 October.

If you have questions about your application please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.