Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and manage media relations for a local authority.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority focused on effective communication and community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working with 1-2 days in the office and a chance to shape impactful strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public communication while collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, ideally within local government, with strong writing and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: This is a 6-month interim role, perfect for gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Starfish Search is working with a local authority to recruit an Interim Senior Communications Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering a refreshed communications strategy and shaping how the organisation communicates both internally and externally. The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across the council to embed a strategic, coordinated, and future-focused approach to communications.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver strategic communications plans, ensuring they are proactive, responsive, and aligned with organisational goals.
- Draft press releases and briefings, and manage media relations.
- Build strong relationships across internal teams.
- Provide communications input into events and projects.
- Help embed effective communications within the broader council strategy, ensuring it supports service delivery and long-term objectives.
About You
- A confident communications professional who can operate at a senior level and deliver high-impact work in a fast-paced environment.
- An experienced relationship-builder, ideally with a background in local government or the wider public sector.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and change communications.
- Able to work independently and provide trusted support to senior leaders.
- A strong writer with excellent planning and media-handling skills.
This is a 6-month interim opportunity, requiring 1–2 days per week in the office in the South East.
Interim Senior Communications Officer employer: Starfish Search
Contact Detail:
Starfish Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current communications strategy and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to enhancing their communications approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local government sector, especially those who have experience in communications roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully implemented strategic communications plans. Be ready to discuss how these experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in public sector communications, particularly in local government. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, particularly in local government or the public sector. Emphasise your skills in stakeholder engagement and any previous roles where you delivered strategic communications plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your confidence as a communications professional. Discuss how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role, such as drafting press releases and managing media relations.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing is crucial for this position, consider including samples of your work, such as press releases or communication strategies, to demonstrate your ability to deliver high-impact content.
Highlight Relationship-Building Experience: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. This will show your capability to operate at a senior level and support senior leaders effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starfish Search
✨Know the Communications Strategy
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current communications strategy and any recent changes. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to refreshing this strategy and aligning it with organisational goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles, especially within local government or the public sector. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and work collaboratively across teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Writing Skills
Bring samples of your writing, such as press releases or briefings, to showcase your strong writing abilities. Be ready to discuss your approach to drafting effective communications that resonate with different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific communication challenges or crises. Think through your responses to demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
