Strategic Communications Team Leader - Hybrid in Portishead

We’re looking for a Strategic Communications Team Leader to join our award-winning Corporate Communications department, offering a unique chance to make a real difference.

This position is available on a fixed term contract for up to 12 months.

You’ll join a friendly, supportive, and highly motivated communications team dedicated to helping keep people safe, combatting crime and building the trust and confidence of both the public and our 6000+ workforce.

You’ll benefit from blended working across home and the office (primarily based at Police HQ in Portishead) and enjoy a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment in an organisation which values its people and giving them the autonomy to be creative and try something new.

The role

As the Strategic Communications Team Leader, you will play a pivotal role in organising, managing and implementing delivery of the annual strategic communications and engagement programme.

Reporting into the Strategic Communications Manager, you will have direct supervisory responsibility for a team of five.

You will collaborate closely with senior leaders to gain insights into strategic issues, develop insight‑led communication activity, and coordinate resource across the Strategic Communications team.

You’ll be responsible for inspiring the team to achieve high impact results against clearly defined objectives.

We’re looking for a passionate and creative communications professional with a proactive approach to comms, strong interpersonal skills, and a solid understanding of strategic communications.

You will embody our values of caring, courageous, inclusive and learning, creating communications that complements our overall strategy and vision of 'outstanding policing for everyone'.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the team to deliver creative, high impact communications and proactive campaigns and PR support for local problem solving using effective, audience‑led communications tactics to meet defined objectives.
• Support on the creation of significant / challenging / sensitive communications.
• Ensure the team's training and development plan actively addresses skills gaps and training.
• Keep abreast of communications and marketing trends and developments, source inspiration and expertise from a variety of sources and sectors to maintain an innovative and award‑winning approach.

Promote a culture of learning and continuous development.

• Interpret briefs, understand audiences and objectives and provide direction to guide effective delivery against KPIs.
• Act as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders and the team for tactical advice and ideas.
• Attend and present at meetings within your areas of responsibility to represent the department.
• Initiate, develop and manage partnerships with a wide range of external organisations.
• Manage an effective team who feel valued and respected by balancing wellbeing, development needs and delivering high quality outputs that meet organisational requirements.

Skills & experience required

• Substantial experience of developing and delivering high impact, integrated and significant communications and/or campaigns.
• A natural communicator with exceptional writing skills and ability to develop compelling content for different audiences.
• Experience of leading a team of communication professionals and managing performance.
• Experienced relationship‑builder with the ability to influence senior management.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• What we can offer you

A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in, including:

• Flexible working
• Continuous professional development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays
• In our Headquarters in Portishead, you’ll have access to a 24 hour gym, on-site Costa Coffee shop and beautiful grounds.
• Additional information

This is full time position working Monday - Friday.

This is a blended role and therefore the opportunity to work from home is available, however the expectation is that you attend Portishead HQ a minimum of 2 days a week.

Applicants successful at shortlisting will be invited to attend an in person interview on 25th or 26th August.

If you have any questions or for any further information, please contact Head of Corporate Communications Kimberley. Holder@avonandsomerset. police. uk via email.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Blended Working/ Hybrid Working

Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible. This role has been identified as a blended role.

The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises.

The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager.

All applicants must reside within the UK.

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