SNP searching for £95k a year chief executive

The SNP is looking to employ a chief executive responsible for “driving change in governance and transparency” and who will “deliver the next phase” of the party’s development and success.

A description of the job was listed online by the party, offering a yearly salary of £95,000.

The successor to longstanding chief executive Peter Murrell must be “dynamic” in order to “ensure the SNP continues its electoral success, to manage the operational arm of the party, and deliver the next phase of our development and success”.

It is also expected that the successful candidate demonstrates “a commitment to Scottish independence” and has an “in-depth knowledge of Scottish politics necessary to ensure continued electoral success and delivery of tangible action on securing our independence”.

The new chief executive will “oversee and deliver clear income and fundraising strategies” and “foster a culture of clear communications throughout the party structure and with members”. It is also expected that candidates will show “demonstrable experience of financial management including budgetary management and reporting”.  

Applications for the Edinburgh-based job will close on 30 June.  

This is the first time the SNP has looked to hire a new chief executive in over 20 years. Murrell, who had been chief executive since 1999 oversaw unprecedented growth during his tenure.

He resigned from the role amid a row over party membership numbers which also led to the resignation of former head of communications Murray Foote.

Murrell was arrested in April as part of the ongoing police investigation into the SNP’s finances. He was released without charge the same day.