Resourcing Graphic and Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic and Content Designer

Company: Scottish Government

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector / Art & Design / Marketing / Administrative

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (40% in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive employer branding initiatives through the creation of compelling graphic design and digital content for recruitment and attraction campaigns.

• Manage end-to-end creative projects, from initial concept development and user needs assessment to final delivery and performance monitoring.

• Lead social media content strategy, encompassing planning, creation, scheduling, and performance analysis to enhance audience engagement.

• Collaborate with recruitment and communications teams to develop impactful attraction strategies and provide expert advice on design and digital marketing.

• Leverage data-driven insights and user feedback to optimize content effectiveness, ensuring alignment with Scottish Government brand and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for internal lateral moves within the Scottish Government Core employees at grade B2. External applications are not considered. The focus is on creative content generation for recruitment and attraction, emphasizing digital channels and data-driven performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce engaging graphic and digital content for recruitment and attraction campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and accessibility.

• Manage creative projects from conception to completion, including planning, execution, testing, and post-delivery analysis.

• Develop, schedule, and monitor social media content to increase audience engagement and employer brand visibility.

• Work collaboratively with recruitment teams and stakeholders to devise effective content and attraction strategies tailored to target audiences.

• Offer expert guidance on design principles, content creation best practices, recruitment marketing techniques, and digital channel utilization.

• Ensure all created content adheres to Scottish Government branding guidelines, accessibility standards, and quality benchmarks.

• Utilize performance metrics and user insights to evaluate content effectiveness and drive continuous improvement in recruitment efforts.

• Foster strong working relationships with internal teams and stakeholders, sharing best practices and contributing to collective team and organizational objectives.

• Manage multiple competing priorities effectively, demonstrating strong organizational skills and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic input, requiring the designer to not only produce content but also advise on its effectiveness and alignment with broader recruitment goals. The emphasis on data and user insights suggests a performance-oriented approach to content creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific educational qualifications are mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles and content creation skills is paramount. Relevant certifications or degrees in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Communications, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: Proven experience in graphic design and content production, with a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering designs informed by user needs and organizational outcomes. Experience in a public sector or government environment is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in industry-standard design tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects).

• Proven experience in designing for digital formats such as social media and web, with a comprehensive understanding of accessibility criteria and best practice standards.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage creative projects from concept through to delivery, including planning, execution, and evaluation.

• Experience in developing and executing social media content strategies, including planning, creation, scheduling, and performance monitoring.

• Ability to gather and interpret user insights and performance metrics to inform content strategy and improvements.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the capacity to provide expert advice on design, content creation, and recruitment marketing.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively and work at pace. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creating animated graphics or short video content.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web content updates.

• Knowledge of recruitment marketing principles and employer branding strategies.

• Experience in data visualization for reporting on campaign performance.

• Understanding of SEO principles as they apply to digital content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Success Profile" emphasizes practical experience and specific technical skills, particularly within the Adobe Creative Suite. The inclusion of "Behaviours" (Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Working at Pace) indicates that soft skills and their application in a government context are as critical as technical proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of graphic design projects for digital platforms (social media, web, digital ads), highlighting user-centered design principles.

• Include examples of content production for recruitment or attraction campaigns, demonstrating how design supported specific objectives.

• Present case studies of projects managed from concept to delivery, detailing the process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud through examples of complex design solutions, including motion graphics or animations if applicable.

• Illustrate understanding of accessibility standards and how they were applied in design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how user insights and performance data were used to inform design decisions and improve content effectiveness.

• Detail your approach to managing creative projects, including planning, stakeholder consultation, and iterative feedback loops.

• Outline your process for developing and executing social media content strategies, including content calendars and performance tracking.

• Demonstrate your ability to adhere to brand guidelines and quality standards in your design and content creation process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is expected to reflect not just creative output but also a strategic, process-driven approach to design, with a clear emphasis on user needs, data utilization, and project management within a government context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Grade B2 (Scottish Government) typically falls within the range of £39,767 to £45,472 per annum. This is an estimate based on typical civil service pay scales for this grade in Scotland.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Options: The role supports flexible working arrangements to help maintain work-life balance.

• Flexi-Leave: Entitlement to flexi-leave, allowing for greater control over working hours and time off.

• Supportive and Inclusive Working Environment: Access to a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the Scottish Government.

• Hybrid Working: Opportunity to work a hybrid model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility (aiming for 40% in-office).

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development within the public sector.

• Civil Service Pension Scheme: Access to a competitive pension scheme.

• Generous Annual Leave: Standard civil service annual leave entitlement.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 35 hours per week. The position is full-time, but flexible working patterns will be considered based on business requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on common UK government pay scales for a B2 grade. The benefits listed are drawn directly from the provided text and are typical for public sector roles, emphasizing flexibility and professional support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector. The Scottish Government is the devolved executive of the Scottish administration, responsible for a wide range of policy areas impacting the lives of people across Scotland.

Company Size: The Scottish Government is a large public sector organization, employing thousands of individuals across various departments and professions. This scale offers stability and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: The Scottish Government, in its current form, was established in 1999 following devolution. It has a long history of public service and commitment to improving Scotland.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Attraction and Resourcing Team, part of the Directorate for People. This team is crucial for recruiting talent into the Scottish Government.

• The Graphic and Content Designer will likely work closely with recruitment specialists, communications officers, and HR professionals.

• Reporting will be to a manager within the Attraction and Resourcing Team, with potential for collaboration across other Directorates for People initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using data, user insights, and performance metrics to inform strategies and measure impact.

• User-Centric Design: Focus on understanding audience needs and designing content that resonates and effectively communicates key messages.

• Collaborative Approach: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing to achieve organizational goals.

• Brand Adherence & Quality Standards: Strict adherence to government branding, accessibility, and quality standards.

Company Website: https://www.gov.scot/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working within the Scottish Government implies a commitment to public service, adherence to strict protocols, and a focus on impactful communication to a broad audience. The "Directorate for People" suggests a focus on internal HR functions and employee experience, including attraction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level specialist role (B2 Grade) focused on creative execution and strategic input within the recruitment and attraction function. It requires a blend of technical design skills and an understanding of marketing and communication principles applied to talent acquisition.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Attraction and Resourcing Team within the Directorate for People. This structure allows for direct contribution to the government's talent acquisition strategy and close collaboration with HR and communications professionals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic and Content Designer plays a vital role in shaping the Scottish Government's employer brand. Their work directly influences the effectiveness of recruitment campaigns, the candidate experience, and the ability to attract diverse and skilled talent into public service roles that benefit Scotland's communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of digital design, content strategy, or social media marketing within a public sector context.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead more complex and high-profile creative projects, gaining experience in managing larger initiatives and influencing strategy.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Possibility to collaborate with various government departments, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to a wider range of public service initiatives.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to senior designer roles, team lead positions, or transition into broader communications or marketing roles within the civil service, leveraging acquired experience and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to be through deepening specialized skills, taking on more responsibility for strategic creative output, and contributing to the broader talent attraction efforts of the Scottish Government. Advancement could lead to more senior creative roles or management positions within the Directorate for People.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Saughton House, which is a government office building. It is a hybrid-compatible workplace, meaning staff are expected to spend a portion of their time working in person.

Office Location(s): Saughton House, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. This location is a central government hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Saughton House is designed to foster collaboration among civil servants, with shared workspaces and meeting facilities.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard government IT infrastructure, including relevant software licenses for Adobe Creative Cloud and other necessary digital tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues in the Attraction and Resourcing Team, as well as cross-functional teams, supporting a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard 35-hour work week, with flexibility options available. Hybrid working requires approximately 40% of contracted hours to be spent in person at Saughton House, with the remainder potentially remote. This balance allows for focused design work while maintaining team cohesion and in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid working model is a key aspect of the environment, requiring adaptability. Saughton House is a professional government office setting, implying structured workflows and a focus on official communication and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Candidates submit an EOI (max 750 words) detailing their suitability, skills, experience, and contributions, aligning with the Success Profile's behaviours and experience criteria.

• Light Touch Interview: Successful EOI applicants will be invited to a light touch interview. This will likely focus on assessing how the candidate's experience and behaviours match the requirements outlined in the Success Profile and their potential to contribute to the team.

• Portfolio Review: While not explicitly stated as a separate stage, candidates should be prepared to discuss their portfolio and provide specific examples during the interview, demonstrating their design capabilities and project management approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Concise and Targeted EOI: Ensure your 750-word EOI is highly specific, directly addressing the "Success Profile" and highlighting your most relevant achievements and skills for this particular role. Avoid generic statements.

• Demonstrate Process, Not Just Output: For your portfolio, be ready to articulate your design process for key projects. Explain the brief, your research (user needs, data), your creative problem-solving, the tools used, and the measurable impact of your work.

• Highlight Government/Public Sector Relevance: If you have experience in public sector or government projects, emphasize it. Showcase how you've adhered to brand guidelines, accessibility standards, and delivered impact for public services.

• Showcase Digital and Social Media Expertise: Provide strong examples of social media campaigns, web graphics, and digital content that demonstrate engagement and audience reach.

• Be Prepared for Behavioural Questions: The interview will assess behaviours. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, and Working at Pace.

Challenge Preparation:

• No Explicit Challenge: The description mentions a "light touch interview" rather than a design challenge. However, be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios or past projects that demonstrate your problem-solving skills related to recruitment marketing and design.

• Articulate Your Approach: Practice explaining your thought process for tackling a new design brief, especially one related to attracting talent to public service roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is focused on an initial written submission (EOI) followed by a brief interview, with the Success Profile serving as the primary assessment framework. Candidates must be adept at articulating their experience and behaviours in writing and verbally.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential expertise required in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and After Effects. Proficiency in these tools is critical for creating a wide range of graphic and digital content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Social Media Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools to monitor and report on social media performance (e.g., native platform analytics, third-party tools).

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): Familiarity with understanding website traffic and user behaviour for web-based content.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Ability to use and interpret data from various channels to evaluate content effectiveness and ROI.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with CMS platforms for updating web content may be beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or internal government systems) to manage creative projects efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Other tools are supportive and relate to the execution and measurement of digital content strategies within the recruitment context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work that benefits the citizens of Scotland and upholds the reputation of the Scottish Government.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: Valuing a diverse workforce and ensuring that all communications and recruitment efforts are inclusive and accessible.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across different teams and departments to achieve shared objectives.

• Efficiency and Pace: Delivering high-quality work in a timely manner, managing competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Data-Informed Approach: Utilizing data and insights to guide decision-making and measure the impact of creative work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with recruitment specialists, communications teams, and potentially other government departments to understand their needs and co-create content.

• Feedback and Iteration: An environment that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and content, ensuring it meets objectives and standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices in design, content creation, and digital marketing to elevate the team's overall capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is rooted in public service values, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, and the efficient delivery of impactful work. The "Success Profile" behaviours (Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Working at Pace) are direct indicators of the expected collaboration style and operational ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Government Constraints: The need to produce innovative and engaging content while adhering to strict government branding, accessibility, and policy guidelines.

• Attracting Talent to Public Service: Competing with private sector offerings and showcasing the unique benefits and impact of a career in public service.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the requirements of various internal teams and stakeholders into compelling visual and content strategies.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Keeping pace with rapidly changing social media landscapes and digital marketing techniques while maintaining government standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses to enhance skills in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications or new design techniques.

• Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy: Learning advanced strategies for audience engagement, campaign management, and performance analysis in a recruitment context.

• Public Sector Communication Best Practices: Gaining in-depth knowledge of government communication standards, accessibility requirements, and effective public engagement strategies.

• Mentorship and Networking: Opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues within the Directorate for People and across the wider civil service.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inherent in balancing creative freedom with public sector requirements and the competitive landscape of talent acquisition. Growth is strongly linked to continuous learning in digital trends and public sector communication.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative requirements with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Assesses adherence to standards and creative problem-solving).

• "How would you approach designing a social media campaign to attract young professionals to a career in public service, considering the challenges of competing with private sector roles?" (Assesses strategic thinking, audience understanding, and creative approach).

• "Walk us through a project where you used data or user insights to significantly improve the effectiveness of your design or content." (Assesses data-driven approach and impact measurement). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Scottish Government, specifically in a recruitment and attraction role?" (Assesses motivation and alignment with public service).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, and how would you work with recruitment colleagues who may not have a design background?" (Assesses teamwork and communication skills).

• "How do you ensure your work is inclusive and accessible to a diverse audience?" (Assesses understanding of key government values). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio around key projects that best showcase your skills against the Success Profile. Use a clear narrative for each project, explaining the brief, your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and content (e.g., engagement rates, click-through rates, application increases).

• Highlight Process and Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail. Explain why you made certain creative choices and how you overcame any obstacles.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to recruitment, employer branding, digital content, and social media.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on aligning past experiences and behaviours with the specific requirements of the Success Profile and the context of the Scottish Government. Demonstrating a strategic, data-informed, and collaborative approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the provided application link, adhering strictly to the 750-word limit.

• Customize Your EOI: Tailor your EOI to directly address each point in the "Success Profile," providing specific examples of your experience and how you embody the required behaviours (Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Working at Pace).

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, experience with digital content creation for social media and web, project management skills, and any relevant public sector or recruitment marketing experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research the Scottish Government's current recruitment campaigns and employer branding efforts. Be ready to discuss your portfolio with specific examples that demonstrate your creative process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Practice answering behavioural questions using the STAR method.

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with the Scottish Government's mission, values, and commitment to public service. Understand the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in government communications.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.