JOB TITLE:Director of Nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
CONTRACT:Full-time, permanent
SALARY: 65k-70k per annum, DOE
DEPARTMENT:National
REPORTS TO:CEO
LOCATION:Home-basedwithabilitytotravel
DEADLINE:31st May 2026
Who we are?
The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan, mass-membership public interest body that stands up for thespeechrightsofits 42,500 +membersandcampaignsforfreespeechmorewidely.Weprovidea wide range of support, from arranging legal representation to giving media advice, to assisting with employmentdisputestogivingpastoralsupport.Wewanttowinindividualdisputesforourmembers and change the law to better protect freedom of speech.
The Role
The Free Speech Union (FSU) is seeking a highly motivated and strategically minded Director of Nations to strengthen our presence in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The postholder will be responsible for advancing the FSUs mission in the nations, growing our membership in each one, organising events, developing policy responses, managing the nations advisory councils and serving as a public spokesperson on the media in the different nations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in protecting and promoting free speech across the UKs regions.
Key Responsibilities
Policy and Advocacy
- WorkcloselywiththeLegislativeAffairsDirectorandthePolicyandResearchDirector to develop, adapt and promote policy positions relevant to the devolved nations.
- MonitorlegislativeandpoliticaldevelopmentsinScotland,WalesandNorthernIreland, ensuring timely organisational responses.
- Provideinputintoresearch,reportsandpolicybriefingswithafocusonthenations.
- Campaign to persuade the governments of the nations to embrace free speech protections embedded in English law, eg the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act JAJY.
Regional Outreach and Membership
- Designanddelivercampaignstoincreasemembershipandvisibilityineachofthe nations.
- Buildpartnershipswithlocalorganisations,academicinstitutions,civilsocietygroups and opinion leaders.
- Oversee targeted outreach strategies to ensure the FSU remains a trusted voice on free speech in each nation.
Events and Engagement
- WorkwithourEventsDirectortoplan,organiseanddelivereventsineachnation.
- Ensure events strengthen member engagement and promote public discussion of free speech issues.
- Support the development and activity of our Scottish and Northern Ireland advisory councils, ensuring they are active and effective, and establish an advisory council in Wales.
Media and Public Relations
- Workcloselywiththepress/mediateamtomanagemediaenquiriesandplacestories across the devolved nations.
- ActasaspokespersonfortheFSUinScotland,WalesandNorthernIreland,including media appearances, panel discussions and public speaking engagements.
- Monitor and respond to press coverage in the nations of FSU-related issues.
Leadership and Representation
- Serve as the senior representative of FSU in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- ProvideregularreportingtotheFSUsseniormanagementteamondevelopments, challenges and opportunities in the devolved nations.
- Contribute to organisational strategy by ensuring the nations are fully represented.
Person Specification
Commitmenttothecauseoffreespeech,includingawarenessoftheFreeSpeechUnionandour work. Applicants must have a relevant mix of skills, aptitude and experience.
Essential
- Strongknowledgeofpolitical,legalandculturalaffairsinScotland,WalesandNorthern Ireland.
- Experienceinpublicaffairs,policy,advocacyandcampaigning.
- Excellentcommunicationskills,withproventrackrecordasaconfidentpublicspeakerand media spokesperson.
- Strongrelationship-buildingskillswithstakeholdersatalllevels.
- Abilitytomanageevents,campaignsandoutreachprogrammes.
- Commitmentto thevalues andmission oftheFSU.
Desirable
- Establishedmediaprofileorexistingrelationshipswithjournalistsinthedevolvednations.
- Experiencemanagingadvisoryboardsorvolunteercouncils.
- Backgroundinlaw,politics,publicpolicy,orrelatedfields.
- Projectmanagementexperience,includingbudgetingoversight.
- FamiliaritywithoursoftwareprogrammesSalesForce,MailChimp,MicrosoftOffice365, WordPress.
- Experience of integrating AI into the work of a similar organisation.
Review of this Job Description
Thisjobdescriptionisintendedasanoutlineofthegeneralareasofactivityandwillbeamendedin the light of the changing needs of the organisation. To be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder.
What we offer
- Salaryupto65k-70kperannum,dependingonexperience.
- EightpercentPensioncontribution.
- Theautonomy andflexibility ofworking fromhome.
- Fullaccesstoourlearninganddevelopmentprogramme.
- 20dayspaidannualleave(excludingbankholidays).
- BUPA private healthcare.
- Asupportiveandengagingworkplaceculture.
- Opportunitiestodevelopwithinagrowinganddynamicorganisation.
- Occasional travel to events and meetings within the UK.
How to apply.
To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and introductory letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how your skills align with the person specification.
Candidates should submit their CV and cover letter as two separate documents. Please do not include your cover letter in the body of the email.
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