Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Leadership
• Develop, implement and review the Councils Communications Strategy
• Provide expert advice to the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, SMT and Councillors on Communication matters.
• Lead Corporate messaging to make sure alignment with Councils corporate plan
• Identify reputation risk and advice on appropriate mitigation
• Lead crisis and business continuity communications in partnership with the Town Clerk.
• Provide regular strategic updates and performance reports to Committee.
• Shape and protect the Council’s brand and public identity.
• Ensure the Council’s communications are accessible, compliant and aligned with legal obligations, including GDPR, Accessibility Regulations and the Transparency Code.
• Campaigns, Planning & Stakeholder Management

Requirements

• 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 of public-sector communication standards, including accessibility regulations (WCAG 2.1), GDPR requirements and transparency obligations.
• Understanding of media relations, including responding to enquiries, preparing statements and managing coverage.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, website content management and digital communication best practice.
• Awareness of the political environment and the role of Town and Parish Councils.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• A generous Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• 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 access to employee funded health insurance, dental insurance, financial guidance, retail discounts, mortgage advice and gym membership.
• Hybrid working arrangements available.