Senior Communications Officer Ref: 14-26

Job summary

Description of duties

Primary Functional Objectives of the Role

Under direction from the Communications Manager, support delivery of communications functions for the council and ensure the team's activity is aligned with agreed strategic goals and priorities

Activities of the team include:

• Press and PR
• Social Media
• Marketing
• Internal Communications
• Design and print
• Web content management

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.

Be proactive in identifying new ways of working and raise these with the Communications Manager and wider team

Develop and maintain positive relationships with local and regional media

Work to communications, engagement (internal and external), marketing and other strategies for the council

Ensure compliance to all policies, procedures, standard operating practices, with recommendations for action and continuous improvement.

Be committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those that we serve, as well as complying to best practice in the application of Safeguarding.

Undertake other duties appropriate to the role, as required by management.

Primary Line/Performance Management Objectives of the Role

No direct line management responsibilities.

However, as a senior member of the team, this postholder will provide day to day guidance to junior team members and support their prioritisation

Responsibilities for:

Assets: Responsible for proper use of council-provided kit (eg. laptop)

Finance: No budget holder responsibilities. May be responsible for allocating small funds within a project, with support from Communications Manager

Decision Making: Have a strong sense of political awareness; Analyse and interpret complex internal and stakeholder communication issues and advise on, plan, and implement solutions; Be able to assess situations quickly and calmly before making informed decisions and providing advice which protects the reputation of the council to officers at all levels and members; Recognise when issues need to be escalated to the Communications Manager.

Communications: Clear and considered communications to internal audiences at all levels of the organisation and a range of external stakeholders; Will direct junior members of the team; Influence and advise others - including those in other teams and those more senior (members and officers, partners)
 

This job description is not exhaustive.

The job description outlines the current position and will be subject to review in the light of development within the service. This will be in consultation with the post holder, as detailed in your Contract of Employment.