About us

Newsdirect is a political monitoring company offering a range of information, research and training services.  We specialise in fast-paced monitoring of the devolved institutions and our services cover Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Westminster.   Our team are energetic, fun and supportive of each other and our clients. We enjoy working in the midst of fast-breaking political developments and keeping our clients up to speed with everything they need to know about the world of politics each day.

What’s our objective?

Our clients rely on us to make a comprehensive daily check of all the political sources, policy influencers and parliamentary proceedings to spot the information relevant to their interests.  Every day we scan thousands of words and listen to many hours of live political discussions to find the references to our clients and their policy priorities.  Our team have to be highly-organised people and good communicators with the ability to produce accurate work to tight deadlines.  Does that sound like you?

What does an account manager do?

The role will require you to build a close working relationship with your client teams, be proactive in understanding their policy priorities and be responsive to requests for follow-up information and research.  Alongside these tasks, when parliament is sitting, part of your working day will also involve summarising live proceedings.

Who do we work for?

In this role you’ll provide essential support to clients who are, for example, seeking to deliver better public services, improve Scotland’s environment or are giving a voice to victims, young people or patient groups. Our client portfolio is wide and includes transport, environment, health, social care, energy, justice, education, enterprise, food and drink, tourism, land reform and housing.  Our clients are public bodies, campaigning charities, national brands and trade bodies.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a highly-motivated individual to join our team as an account manager, looking after a small group of clients and taking responsibility for researching and collating daily and weekly monitoring reports.  You’ll be a first-class writer with the capacity to skim large volumes of material quickly, with speed of decision-making and good IT skills. Applicants will ideally have some professional knowledge of the political institutions or have completed an internship in public affairs, policy or in parliament.  You should ideally be available to start during November and your availability should be included in your covering letter.

Salary and induction

We are offering an initial ‘training’ salary of £21,255, which increases to £23,400 on 1 May 2024.  The annual leave allowance totals 35 days which includes bank holidays, half-day August Fridays and a festive shutdown .  The role is suitable for home working but you must be UK-based with the right to work here.  You’ll have access to office premises in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Peebles on the days you want to come in.  The induction and probationary period will involve some in-person days, which will be scheduled to suit the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Please download and read carefully through the job information pack and follow the guidance on p6, How to Apply.

The deadline is midday on Tuesday 16 January.  Interviews will be on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 January.

Submit your application via the form below. PDF format is preferred.