Communications Officer
Job Type : Contract, Full Time
Salary : £25.75/hour umbrella
Our local authority client based in South London are urgently seeking an experienced Communications Officer.
Job Role
To develop, manage and evaluate communications and engagement campaigns on Council services across a range of channels and media, as part of a multidisciplinary team. To manage the reputation of the Council through effective media relations, social media and stakeholder management.
DUTIES
1. To develop internal and external communications and engagement plans, campaigns and marketing activities across different media for Council services in accordance with the Council’s priorities.
2. To develop, write, edit and review content for the Council’s communication channels including websites, printed publications, speeches, press releases and social media accounts, ensuring that it is of a high quality, meets corporate standards, is suitable for the target audience, accessible, and useful.
3. To liaise with and establish a good rapport with local, national and specialist media, deal with media enquiries, and prepare press releases and statements to represent the Council’s position within agreed deadlines. To ensure that media calls and responses are logged appropriately on the Council’s systems.
4. To ensure a pro-active approach to communications through a positive use of forward planning and meetings with councillors and officers, including cabinet members and senior officers/Directors.
5. To take an active role in the development of the Council’s social media activities to ensure that the content of the Council’s social media profiles is closely monitored and kept up to date. To use social media to engage with residents and help protect the Council’s reputation.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
A good understanding of the current issues affecting local government and in particular how they impact upon the Council and the way that it communicates with residents.
Experience of developing and delivering communications and/or community engagement strategies.
The ability to write clear, concise and accurate copy for a range of publications including websites, press releases, publications and social media.
A strong news sense and the ability to effectively manage media interest in the Council’s activities – often on contentious matters – in a sensitive manner.
Excellent communication, organisational and presentation skills, together with an ability to prioritise workloads, meet tight deadlines as part of a 24/7 team which operates an out of hours rota.
Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained.
At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful
More Information
- Address SE18, Woolwich, Greater London
