At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create impactful communications and engage with diverse audiences.
- Company: Join Diamond Blaque Group, a top player in the public sector, committed to equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local government communications while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in communications, a relevant degree, and strong media relations experience required.
- Other info: Pre-engagement screening is mandatory; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Description
Our local government clients are recruiting a Senior Communications Officer to manage a team of communications officers, delivering a wide-ranging, proactive communications service and to support and develop the communication officers. To work across all areas of communications, including developing excellent content, planning, using and creating channels and building our audiences. To provide a professional media and social media service which delivers and measures content and advises senior officers and members.
Responsibility
Ensure the effective management, performance monitoring, and development of communications officers who champion the use of digital channels and best practices. Maintain an effective planning grid, including annual forward plan, daily grid, campaigns grid, external communications team rota and communications plans that support the delivery of the corporate communications strategy.
Qualification Essential
- Previous experience in the care profession.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in the relevant subject or area.
- Advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), social media and CRM.
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements – Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.
Successful candidates will have:
- Ability to develop and deliver communications strategies, align comms activity with priorities and corporate objectives, deliver tangible outcomes, and horizon scan to anticipate emerging issues.
- Ability to build and manage relationships with local, regional, and national media, draft press releases, media statements, and briefing notes and sell stories to the media.
- Experience in handling crisis communications and reputational management.
- Ability to understand political and legal sensitivities of working in local government, and can translate complex policies and decisions into accessible messages.
- Ability to write clear, concise, engaging and accessible copy for various formats, adhering to style and branding guidelines.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, utilise planning tools, coordinate and execute campaigns, and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of communications activity.
- Experience in managing and leading a team, ability to support junior team members and provide strategic communications advice to senior council officers and members.
Essential Compliance Requirements
- 3 years\’ reference including current employment
- A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role.
Diamond Blaque Group, a leading provider in the public sector, is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and acts as an employment agency for this vacancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Communications Officer employer: Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
Contact Detail:
Diamond Blaque HR Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital communications and social media. Being well-versed in current best practices will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to effective communication strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local government sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the field. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in crisis communications during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed reputational issues, as this is a crucial aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects by discussing your organisational skills. Highlight any tools or methods you use to keep track of deadlines and ensure successful campaign execution.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, especially any leadership roles. Emphasise your ability to manage teams and deliver effective communication strategies that align with corporate objectives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role and the importance of effective communication in local government. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed communications projects or teams in the past.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since the role requires clear and engaging copywriting, include samples of your work or mention specific projects where you developed content for various formats. This could be press releases, social media posts, or campaign materials.
Highlight Crisis Management Experience: Given the emphasis on crisis communications, detail any relevant experiences where you handled sensitive situations or managed reputational risks. Explain your approach and the outcomes of those situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Communications Officer, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
The role requires the ability to develop and deliver communications strategies. Be ready to talk about how you've aligned communications activities with corporate objectives in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your strategic approach.
✨Prepare for Crisis Communication Scenarios
Given the importance of handling crisis communications, think of examples where you've managed reputational risks or crises. Discuss the strategies you employed and the outcomes, showcasing your ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Government Dynamics
Understanding the political and legal sensitivities of local government is crucial. Research current issues affecting local councils and be prepared to discuss how you would communicate these effectively to various audiences.