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- Tasks: Join us as a Senior Communications Officer, crafting impactful stories through video and writing.
- Company: Surrey County Council is dedicated to community engagement and innovative service delivery.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, wellness support, lifestyle discounts, and paid volunteering days.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking team making a real difference in local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced communications, adaptable writing skills, and creativity are essential.
- Other info: This role will transition to new unitary councils in 2027, ensuring job security.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. The starting salary for this role is £40,296 per annum, working 36 hours per week.
Do you have a passion for Communications? Have you got a hunger to develop and learn, as well as deliver meaningful comms that has a real impact? We are hiring a Senior Communications Officer within Surrey County Council's Communications and Engagement and Public Affairs team.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
Our team supports the Communities portfolio of services, including Surrey Arts, culture, heritage, registrations service and 52 libraries. We also support on work with the Voluntary Community Social Enterprise sector, the community engagement and investment teams, such as Your Fund Surrey. This is an exciting time as communities and delivering hyperlocal communications are at the forefront of delivering a "team around the community" approach to service delivery at Surrey County Council.
About the Role
You will support the planning, implementation and evaluation of communications using the relevant online and offline tools and channels. A lot of our work involves being out in the community compiling compelling stories through the use of video and written communication – so experience of video and competent copywriting skills is a must. We are a forward-thinking comms team, always looking to try new things and stay at the forefront of modern communications techniques and channels. We are looking for a creative and proactive individual who will help us make a positive impact, both externally and internally.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Experience of working within a fast-paced communications team, where every day is different
- An ability to work across both internal and external communications and identify and adapt content and messaging for sharing on appropriate channels
- Flexibility to adapt writing styles and techniques to suit different audiences, and to work creatively to develop and design communication campaigns.
As part of the application process you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following application questions:
- Tell us about a situation where you had to manage multiple communications tasks or priorities under pressure. How did you balance your workload and what was the outcome?
- Describe a communications campaign you developed for both internal and external audiences. What was the goal, how did you tailor your messaging for each audience and what was the result?
- Share an example of when you used video and copywriting to tell a compelling story. What were you aiming to achieve, what steps did you take and what was the impact of your work?
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15th June 2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Senior Communications Officer (reference: SCC/TP/288080/3192) employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer (reference: SCC/TP/288080/3192)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Surrey County Council's current communications strategies and campaigns. Understanding their approach will help you tailor your discussions during the interview, showcasing how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples of your past work in communications, especially those that involved both internal and external audiences. Highlighting your ability to adapt messaging for different groups will demonstrate your versatility and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in communications, particularly in video storytelling and digital engagement. Being able to discuss recent innovations or techniques you've implemented can set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current employees or alumni from Surrey County Council to gain insights into the team culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information to reference in your application and interviews, showing your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer (reference: SCC/TP/288080/3192)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in communications, especially in fast-paced environments.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects your skills in video production and copywriting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt messaging for different audiences.
Craft Thoughtful Responses: When answering the application questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you clearly articulate your experiences and the impact of your work.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Communications Officer, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Prepare examples of past campaigns where you tailored messaging for different audiences, highlighting your copywriting and video skills.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Creativity
The role requires adapting writing styles and techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've creatively approached communication challenges in the past, and share specific examples of innovative campaigns you've developed.
✨Prepare for Pressure Scenarios
You’ll need to manage multiple tasks under pressure. Think of a situation where you successfully balanced competing priorities and be prepared to explain your approach and the outcomes during the interview.
✨Understand the Local Government Context
Familiarise yourself with Surrey County Council's current initiatives and the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation. Showing awareness of these changes will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role's impact on the community.
