Communications and Engagement Officer - Local Government Reorganisations

Communications are seeking a Communications and Engagement Officer, Local Government Reorganisation to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential.

We are looking for an experienced and creative marketing and communications professional to support a small team tasked with leading the council through our journey to Local Government Reorganisation in Kent and Medway. Local Government Reorganisation will see the creation of a small number of unitary councils in place of the current county, district and borough councils across the region. It promises to be an important time of change for our residents, staff, councillors and other stakeholders and we need to ensure that we engage and communicate effectively throughout this time.

The role will lead on the strategic development and delivery of a wide range of communications and engagement activities with our communities working in partnership with other Kent councils. Using experience in stakeholder and data management, you will develop and maintain a strategic stakeholder management plan - ensuring appropriate communications channels are used to reach our different audiences. You’ll also have a good working experience of dealing with local and national media and experience in managing change communications internally and externally.

If you like being part of a busy communications team, are passionate about effective engagement and local government, and thrive on change, we’d love to hear from you. If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Celia Glynn-Williams on 07525 225315.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels: Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview. Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A. Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Important Information: Interviews will be held in person. Full details on how this will work will be sent to you, if your application is successfully shortlisted. Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile. For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online. Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.