At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape conversations and create impactful campaigns in a vibrant city.
- Company: Join the dynamic Cambridge City Council's Communications & Engagement Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working on exciting projects that reach thousands.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications or related fields; creativity is key!
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 47181 £ per year.
Shape the conversation in one of the UK's most influential cities. Cambridge is a city of innovation and ambition facing significant opportunities and challenges in local government. We are looking for an experienced Communications Officer to join our high‑performing Communications & Engagement Team. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a busy, forward‑thinking organisation where your advice, ideas and creativity will have a real impact.
Why this role? You’ll advise senior colleagues, develop campaigns, create digital content, manage media enquiries, support consultations, help communicate major projects and respond to fast‑moving issues. Production of social media content, filming short videos, advising on sensitive issues and launching campaigns that reach thousands of residents are just some of the day‑to‑day tasks. You will also be part of a supportive team rota covering media enquiries and social media, which may include occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays.
About You We want someone as comfortable thinking strategically as they are writing a news story or filming a social media reel. Experience in communications, public relations, journalism or marketing is expected, with a professional qualification (CIPR, PRCA, CIM) welcome but not essential if you can demonstrate the right experience. Applicants should demonstrate how they meet the following nine mandatory skills in their personal statement and provide examples of their work where possible.
Benefits
- Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods and, where applicable, recognised through Digital Badges
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
- Agile and Flexible working options
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro‑rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave
- Family‑friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays
- Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform
- Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home & Electronics Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools
- Subsidy for public transport
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression
Hours and Working Pattern Full‑time role, 37 hours per week, Monday–Friday. Work location is flexible – Cambridge on‑site, other council offices, or working from home. Fortnightly in‑person meetings in our city centre office and attendance at events as required.
Contract and Salary Fixed‑term – 18 months. Salary £41,771–£47,181 per annum (City Pay Band 6), prorated for part‑time.
Equality and Diversity Cambridge City Council is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Cambridge City Council. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Cambridge City Council, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Cambridge City Council inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Cambridge City Council. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Cambridge City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
