Senior Communications Officer

The Senior Communications Officer is a pivotal role responsible for shaping how the department communicates with it’s residents, partners, stakeholders and staff. This is a hybrid position that combines strategic leadership with hands on operational delivery, ensuring a maintained clear, consistent and proactive voice. As the professional lead for Communications, you will set the overall direction of our internal and external communications, protect and develop the brand and provide high quality advice to senior stakeholders. You will play a key role in managing the reputation, leading crisis communications when needed, and ensuring all communications meet legal, regulatory and accessibility standards. This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who can think strategically, deliver effectively and help shape the Organisations identity and engagement with the Community. Job Responsibilities We are seeking a skilled communications professional to develop, implement, and regularly review our communications strategy. You will provide expert advice to stakeholders on all communication matters, while leading corporate messaging to ensure it remains clear, consistent, and aligned with the wider corporate plan. The role involves identifying potential reputational risks and advising on appropriate mitigation, as well as leading crisis and business continuity communications in close partnership with other departments. You will also provide regular strategic updates and performance reports to the Committee. In addition, you will play a key role in shaping and protecting the organisation’s brand and public identity, ensuring all communications are accessible, fully compliant, and aligned with legal obligations, including GDPR, Accessibility Regulations, and the Transparency Code. Campaigns, Planning & Stakeholder Management You will need to develop annual and project-specific communications plans across all departments. You will work closely with managers and staff to identify key communications needs and priorities, while overseeing multi-channel campaigns that deliver measurable impact and strong organisational buy-in. The role also involves supporting internal communications strategies that strengthen culture and enable effective change, as well as building trust and understanding of the communications function across the organisation. In addition, you will monitor performance by reporting on communications outcomes and analytics, providing clear and actionable strategic insights. Press, Media & Public Relations You will be acting as the primary media contact for the organisation. You will build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and sector media, while proactively identifying and pursuing opportunities to promote key initiatives. The role also involves responding to press enquiries in a timely and professional manner, preparing clear and accurate statements, and briefing senior officers and Members to ensure consistent and effective media engagement. Operational Communications Delivery You will be overseeing all corporate communication channels, ensuring content is high-quality, timely, and accessible. You will manage print publications, digital newsletters, and Member communications, as well as attend events—including evenings and weekends—to deliver live social media coverage and photography where required. The role includes approving content produced by the Communications Officer and supporting high-profile copywriting tasks, alongside creating clear, accurate, and accessible content aligned with the corporate tone of voice. You will also advise teams on appropriate content formats and accessibility standards, while maintaining and updating content calendars and channel process documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency. Digital, Data & Technology Weideally want a forward-thinking communications professional to lead the development of digital engagement channels including social media, the organisation’s website, and e-communications tools. You will oversee website content to ensure full compliance with accessibility regulations, while using analytics and engagement data to shape strategy and continually improve performance. The role also involves identifying and driving opportunities for digital innovation, helping to enhance community engagement and strengthen the organisation’s overall digital presence. Project Leadership You'll need to deliver key projects arising from the Communications Strategy. You will support organisation-wide initiatives, including events, consultations, and major programmes, ensuring they are effectively communicated and well coordinated. The role also involves embedding communications support into all corporate projects from the outset, helping to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging across the organisation. Line Management You'll need to line manage the Communications Officer, ensuring their work is aligned with strategic priorities and organisational goals. You will provide coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development, while identifying any skills gaps and arranging appropriate training and support. The role also includes providing operational cover for the Communications Officer when required, ensuring continuity and consistency across communications activity. Qualifications & Training * Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience in communications, marketing, digital media or a related field. * Evidence of ongoing professional development in communications, media, digital engagement or related areas. Knowledge You'll need to have a strong understanding of strategic communications, branding, and reputation management. You will have knowledge of public sector communication standards, including accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1), GDPR compliance, and transparency obligations. A solid grasp of media relations is essential, including responding to enquiries, preparing statements, and managing coverage effectively. You will also bring knowledge of social media platforms, website content management, and best practice in digital communications, alongside an awareness of the political environment and the role of Town and Parish Councils. Experience * Experience developing and delivering communication strategies or major communications plans. * Experience producing high‑quality content across digital and print channels. * Experience managing social media accounts, websites and interpreting digital analytics. * Experience handling media enquiries and drafting press releases or public statements. * Experience managing communications projects or campaigns from planning to evaluation. * Experience providing communications advice to senior officers, managers or decision‑makers. * Experience leading, supervising or mentoring staff or demonstrating leadership within a communications setting. Skills & Abilities * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences. * Ability to think strategically while delivering effective operational communications. * Strong copywriting, editing and proofreading skills. * Ability to analyse data and insights to inform communications activity. * Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work independently. * Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills. * Political sensitivity and the ability to handle confidential or contentious information appropriately. * Ability to identify reputational risks and provide sound professional judgement. * Creative problem‑solving skills and the ability to generate new ideas. Personal Attributes We are looking for someone who's proactive, a self-motivated communications professional who is confident working autonomously and delivering high-quality work under pressure. You will demonstrate a professional and calm approach in all situations, with excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality. The role requires flexibility, including a willingness to attend events during evenings and weekends when needed. A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across all communications is essential, alongside a strong sense of public service and dedication to supporting the local community. Benefits: * Pay scales that are competitive and reviewed annually. * 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part time). * Increase to 26 days annual leave after 5 years’ service (pro-rated for part time). * 2 days statutory leave. * Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track and free counselling service. * Other benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, financial guidance, retail discounts, mortgage advice and gym membership. * Hybrid working arrangements available