Head of Events and Content

Total Politics Group provides customers, partners and the public with the skills, intelligence and platforms needed to engage effectively across the spheres of politics, public sector administration and public affairs throughout the United Kingdom and European Union.

Holyrood Communications is the Scottish division of Total Politics; since 1999, Holyrood Communications has been helping create honest, open and apolitical analysis of public policy here in Scotland through both our events and editorial output.

Whether you’re working in one of our editorial titles, events teams or analysing the impact of current affairs, you’ll be part of a company that moves with the times. While we’re responsive to a rapidly changing world, we never lose sight of our core values – impartiality, transparency and integrity.

You’ll be joining a group of people that appreciate and respect each other. We welcome entrepreneurial spirit and encourage new ideas from everyone. This fresh thinking, combined with the breadth of our services, means we can offer solutions that deliver real value to our clients.

The Role

The new and exciting role of Head of Events and Content is a commercially driven and dynamic role which will be key part of the senior leadership team in the Edinburgh office, reporting directly to the Managing Director.  An experienced manager leading the Events team and working directly with the Sales, Editorial, Production and Marketing functions – locally and across the wider business.  The role will work closely with the MD and Commercial Director on the strategic and creative direction of Holyrood Events in order to maximise commercial opportunities, grow the company’s reach and build and develop existing business.

Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring the commercial success of the award-winning Holyrood events portfolio.

• Full line management responsibility for the events team including event producers (researchers) and event managers.

• Working closely with the marketing team to maximise delegate acquisition and to ensure maximum exposure for events and their content.

• Devising, developing and delivering a diverse portfolio of event formats, including public policy briefings, conferences, single-client roundtables, party conference fringe events, and the Holyrood Connect tech-related summit series.

• Driving growth by building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborating with Sales to deliver client solutions including roundtables, party conference fringe events, webinars and private dinners.

• Maximising efficiencies on all event-related costs.

• Tendering for events business and identifying new market opportunities.

• Working collaboratively across the wider Total Politics Group to drive content-sharing and best practice.

• Engaging with stakeholders and the wider public policy community to promote Holyrood events.

• Building partnerships to facilitate engagement with the wider Holyrood network and its products.

• Working with the editorial team to maximise content and profile.

• Setting and owning budgets within the Events team in the Edinburgh office.

• Working with the MD and Commercial Director on Holyrood financial reporting and on the annual budget.

• Acting as a brand ambassador at all times.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• At least five years’ experience in a similar events role.

• A proven track record of strong leadership.

• Line management experience.

• Business acumen and experience of working with commercial teams.

• Financial reporting experience.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

• Intellectual curiosity, multi-tasker, creative thinker, team player.

• Interest in politics.

• Strong level of written and spoken English, candidates will be expected to communicate with a variety of people both internally and externally.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Office and PowerPoint.

Desirable:

• A background in public affairs, media, communications, politics, a membership organisation or similar.

• Contacts at a senior level across the public and private sector.

• Political and/or policy knowledge.

• A comprehensive understanding of Scotland’s political and policy landscape.

What’s in it for you?

Founded in 1832, you will be joining an organisation with a wealth of tradition and experience. 

Organisations have been turning to us for pertinent information on what’s going on in Government since we first published Dods Parliamentary Companion way back in 1832, and employees want to work with us to develop their careers.

We are big on our people, our culture and our values. We always look to go the extra mile for our employees and provide internal and external training as well as career development and growth.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Life Assurance (4x salary).

• Season ticket loan.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Employee Referral Bonus Scheme.

Equal Opportunities
At Total Politics Group, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, communities, identities, and experiences, particularly those from groups that are typically underrepresented.

As an equal opportunities employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion includes:

• Ensuring fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory recruitment and employment practices.

• Fostering a workplace culture that celebrates inclusion and mutual respect.

• Making reasonable adjustments to support accessibility and remove barriers wherever possible.

We aim to be an organisation where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed.

If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.