At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and create engaging content for various channels.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, a diverse and vibrant community hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact through creative campaigns and enhance the council's brand messaging.
- Qualifications: Degree in Communications or related field; experience in senior communications roles required.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working, Harrow Council Hub, Forward Drive, HA3 8NT
Salary: £250 Umbrella PAYE
Job Overview: London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Communications Officer to lead strategic communications and enhance their brand messaging. This role involves managing internal and external communications, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring consistent messaging across various channels. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media relations, digital communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead fast-paced communications projects across the Environment Directorate and step in to support other departments as needed.
- Produce a wide range of content: shoot and edit short videos and graphics on mobile devices, draft press releases, manage reactive media enquiries, and author copy for social media, internal newsletters, and council publications.
- Coordinate member briefings and cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders, ensuring key messages are understood and amplified.
- Think strategically - identify creative, "outside-the-box" campaigns to raise awareness and drive engagement with the council's services.
- Act as a brand guardian: uphold editorial standards, enforce our tone of voice, and help stakeholders tell their stories effectively.
Requirements:
- Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience in a senior-level communications or public affairs role.
- Superb writing, editing, and narrative-building skills - able to turn policy or technical detail into clear, compelling copy.
- Proven track record in media relations and public affairs, including handling press enquiries and building journalist relationships.
- Able to juggle multiple campaigns and deadlines in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
- Solid grasp of digital communications best practices, including SEO, analytics, and content strategy.
About Us: Pertemps Recruitment Partnership has been a market leader in permanent and temporary staffing solutions for nearly 60 years. We are proud to be accredited as an Investor in People, which is reflected in our commitment to career progression and employee satisfaction. Recognized by The Sunday Times as one of the Best 100 Companies to Work For for 14 consecutive years, we prioritize a personalized approach in everything we do.
The London Borough of Harrow is the 12th largest borough in London, celebrated for its cultural diversity and excellent transport links. Located just 10 miles from Central London and 13 minutes to Euston via Harrow & Wealdstone station, it offers convenient access via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line, national rail services, and major road networks including the M1, M25, and A406.
Important Notice: The personal information collected from you will be shared with Cifas to prevent fraud, unlawful conduct, and malpractice. If fraudulent activity is detected, it may affect access to certain services or employment opportunities. Your data will also be used for identity verification. Further details regarding data protection and rights can be found at (url removed).
Senior Communications Officer employer: Pertemps Harrow
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Harrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the London Borough of Harrow's current communications strategies and recent campaigns. Understanding their brand messaging will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of communications, especially those who have experience in local government or public relations. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to manage multiple campaigns and produce engaging content. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully enhanced brand messaging or engaged stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital communications and media relations. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only help you in the interview but also show that you are proactive and committed to continuous learning in your field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Communications Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in media relations, digital communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for communications and demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your ability to manage communications projects and produce engaging content.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since superb writing and editing skills are crucial for this role, include samples of your work or links to published articles. Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from errors and showcase your narrative-building abilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles in communications or public affairs, particularly those that involved managing multiple campaigns and deadlines. Mention any experience with video production, social media management, and building relationships with journalists.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Harrow
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've led communications projects in the past. Highlight specific examples where your strategic thinking has driven engagement or raised awareness, particularly in a public sector context.
✨Demonstrate Your Content Creation Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with various content formats. Bring examples of your work, such as press releases, social media posts, or videos, to showcase your ability to craft compelling narratives and manage diverse communication channels.
✨Highlight Your Media Relations Experience
Discuss your track record in building relationships with journalists and handling press enquiries. Be prepared to share specific instances where your media relations skills have positively impacted an organisation's messaging or reputation.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The role requires juggling multiple campaigns and deadlines. Share examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating your ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.