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- Tasks: Lead impactful communication campaigns to improve local community lives.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organisation focused on community improvement and engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and flexible job options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a borough undergoing exciting changes and rebuild community trust.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement are essential.
- Other info: Contact Louise Neilan for an informal chat about the role.
The predicted salary is between 51400 - 59800 £ per year.
Salary: £61,425 - £70,896 per annum
Grade: I
Permanent Contract
37 Hours per Week
Are you passionate about using excellent communications to have impact and improve the lives of local communities? Do you have the energy and passion to make a real difference to a borough going through significant change? If so, this career-defining role could be for you.
As Head of Communications at Thurrock Council, you will not only play a key role in helping a council in intervention continue on its improvement journey, but you will also help the council and community build a brand new council in the area, as part of local government reorganisation.
Like all councils, Thurrock has plenty to keep its Head of Communications busy. You will take a lead role in designing and delivering evidence-based campaigns that help the council achieve its objectives and improve lives, from increasing its recycling rate to tackling poor health, generating income to supporting residents with the cost of living.
You will also play a significant role in helping the council rebuild trust with local people after the challenges of the past; modernising the way we work; and ensuring staff feel involved and informed in council decisions through significant change.
If you are a stellar communicator, a team player, and have bundles of energy to channel into making a real difference, we want to hear from you. Join us, and be part of a fresh start for Thurrock.
If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying please contact Louise Neilan, AD Communications and Engagement at louise.neilan@thurrock.gov.uk to arrange a call.
Advert Closing Date Redeployment Only: 16th June 2025
Internal & External: 29th June 2025
Interview Date: 8th July 2025
About Us
Why Thurrock? Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve. Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead. This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents. We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes. Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
Head of Communications employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
louise.neilan@thurrock.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current issues and initiatives in Thurrock. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your commitment to improving community lives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in local government communications. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss evidence-based campaigns you've led in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how your communication strategies have made a measurable impact on communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Louise Neilan for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach for the application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and expectations for the Head of Communications position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for communications and your commitment to improving local communities. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to lead evidence-based campaigns and rebuild trust within communities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles in communications, particularly those that involved community engagement or local government. Include measurable achievements that illustrate your impact, such as successful campaigns or initiatives you led.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Thurrock Council's current objectives and challenges. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and how effective communication can play a role in achieving their goals.
✨Showcase Your Campaign Experience
Prepare to discuss specific campaigns you've designed and delivered in the past. Highlight how these campaigns were evidence-based and the impact they had on the community or organisation, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the council's objectives.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
As a Head of Communications, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, ensuring that everyone feels involved and informed during significant changes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle crises. Think about potential challenges the council might face and how you would address them through effective communication strategies.
