At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create impactful communications and engage with the community.
- Company: Wakefield Council is dedicated to celebrating culture and tackling community challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and discounts on transport and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that influences positive change in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, project management, and social media is essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; interviews scheduled for early July.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Wakefield
Salary: £31,067.00 - £33,366.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
Package:
- A competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Access to an occupational pension scheme
- A range of employee benefits including public transport and gym memberships discount
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: Full time, Permanent
Job description:
Wakefield: famous for sculpture, art and culture. As a place of funky food festivals, historic castles, and rugby league. And a proud industrial heritage based on coal, iron and farming.
We’ve lots of great stories to tell and communities to celebrate. We’re also tackling some big challenges. Rising demand for our children and adult services, and the impact of inflation are just some of the pressures we’re working with. All this presents really exciting opportunities for someone who’s truly passionate about delivering great communications that make a difference to our communities.
Who we’re looking for:
We’re on the lookout for two experienced, all-round communications professionals to join our award-winning team. You’ll be someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can confidently deliver campaigns that drive real impact. You’ll bring a well-rounded communications toolkit – from planning and project management to stakeholder engagement, copywriting, media relations, and content creation. You’re equally comfortable writing sharp, engaging content as you are rolling out digital and social media campaigns, managing web content, and measuring results.
As a creative, digitally savvy communicator, you’ll have a keen eye for detail and a strong grasp of current social media trends. You’ll be confident working independently, adapting quickly to changing priorities, and spotting great stories wherever they emerge. Whether it’s drafting a press release, developing bespoke content, or launching a cross-platform campaign, no two days will be the same. You’ll work across the Council to promote services, support communities, and shine a light on the stories that matter.
What we’re offering:
We’re not just offering a job – we’re offering a chance to be part of something impactful. As one of our communications officers, you’ll have the opportunity to shape how we communicate internally and externally, influencing the perception of our Council while working alongside a supportive and collaborative team. We are committed to a great work life balance and have a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. You’ll receive a generous annual leave entitlement, alongside a range of other employee benefits like public transport and gym memberships discounts. We offer competitive pay, great benefits, and a work environment that fosters creativity and growth.
If this is something you’re interested in, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information you can call Jane Gardner-Florence, External Communications Manager on jgardnerflorence@wakefield.gov.uk
Shortlisting for this post will take place w/c 23 June. And interviews will be held on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 July 2025.
Want to Know More?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Jane Gardner-Florence.
Tel: 07385 396 539
E-mail: jgardnerflorence@wakefield.gov.uk
Safeguarding:
Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
Diversity:
Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.
Contact Detail:
Wakefield Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Officer x2
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wakefield Council's recent communications and campaigns. Understanding their tone, style, and the types of stories they promote will help you align your approach and demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Wakefield Council, especially those in communications roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current social media trends and digital communication strategies. Being able to discuss how these trends can be applied to Wakefield Council's communications will showcase your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of past campaigns or projects you've worked on that had a measurable impact. Be ready to discuss these during the interview to illustrate your experience and ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Officer x2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the External Communications Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for communications and your understanding of the challenges faced by Wakefield Council. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills in stakeholder engagement, copywriting, and campaign management.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles in communications, particularly those that involved digital and social media campaigns. Highlight any measurable outcomes from your work, such as increased engagement or successful project completions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Wakefield Council and its recent communications initiatives. Understanding their values and current projects will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your copywriting, media relations, and content creation skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed campaigns and engaged stakeholders in the past.
✨Be Digitally Savvy
Familiarise yourself with current social media trends and be prepared to discuss how you would leverage these platforms for effective communication. Highlight any experience you have with digital campaigns and measuring their success.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a chance to learn more about the team dynamics and expectations.