Senior Communications Officer Ref: 14-26

Salary: Grade 7, from £38,519 per annum
Location: Dereham, Norfolk (some remote working)
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Basis: Permanent 

Would you like a job where what you do:

• Makes a difference to local people and businesses?
• Encourages you to find creative ways to deliver high-quality communications and marketing campaigns, both digital and offline, to get your message across?
• Places you in the heart of Local Government and the evolution of public services?

We are seeking a dynamic, confident and forward‑thinking Senior Communications Officer to support the delivery and promotion of key council initiatives and services.

In this important role, you will shape and deliver a range of communications and marketing activity, across internal and external channels, digital and offline, working with local media, and in crisis and change communications.

You will deputise for the Communications Manager and support junior members of the Communications Team in their day-to-day activities. In this visible role, you will be a trusted source of senior communications advice to senior officers and elected members as well as frontline services.

You will:

• Work with the Communications Manager to ensure the team's activity is aligned with agreed strategic goals and priorities
• Lead high profile and/or complex communications and marketing projects, while retaining the ability to deliver day-to-day functions. Produce and maintain plans which capture this approach, monitor the impact of activity, report progress, and provide recommendations for optimising ROI
• Support council initiatives through the hands-on production of a broad range of communications material, including writing press releases, internal messages, member communications, and producing engaging web and social media content
• Bring a creative, proactive and innovative approach to campaigns, engagement and marketing.
• Horizon scan the wider public services environment in order to provide credible and professional communications and PR advice to council teams and senior figures to ensure projects and services are communicated effectively across a range of channels.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to make rapid, well‑judged decisions under pressure.
• Identify opportunities to promote the work of the council both locally and nationally
• Respond to reactive media enquiries and social media comments/messages, including those of a high-profile or controversial nature
• Support junior members of the team with their day-to-day activities by providing advice and direction

About you

Your qualities and behaviours are just as important to us as your experience. Is this you?

• Collaborative: You build effective working relationships across teams, Members and external partners, listening to ideas and contributing constructively.
• Ambitious: You look for better ways of doing things, take ownership of change, and help others adapt and embed new ways of working.
• Results-driven: You stay focused on outcomes, are clear on priorities, and show resilience when challenges arise.
• Empowering: You are proactive in seeking opportunities, take responsibility for outcomes, and learn from experience to improve delivery.
• Supportive: You are approachable and respectful, offering help when needed and contributing to a positive team environment.

If you would like an informal chat regarding this role please contact Matthew Barnard, Communications Manager by emailing matthew.barnard@breckland.gov.uk

Please read the job description and person specification for a more comprehensive list of duties and for the qualities needed.

Closing date - 9am, Thursday 21 May 2026