At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging content and communicate effectively to inspire action.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within a fast-paced unitary authority.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health initiatives, flexible working, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; supportive team environment with growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting with the community and enhancing communication strategies.
- Qualifications: Strong written English and experience in communications or marketing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We’re looking for a dynamic, super-organised communicator to join our team. The successful candidate will be able to work to communications strategies and to deliver their objectives for this fast-moving unitary authority. You’ll need to know how to target and grab the attention of the right audiences with the right content in order to share important information or to inspire action.
Your bright ideas and energy will mean you can learn fast, work accurately and to deadline. Working with teams across the council and partners across the city, we know that you love the interest and pace. You’ll be part of a busy and supportive team which will encourage and further your can-do attitude and your flair for comms.
You’ll build on our strong relationships with other organisations to maximise the reach and impact of our messaging. You’ll also work with contractors to ensure our exacting standards are met. We expect a high level of written English and, ideally, we’d like applicants to have relevant experience in communications, editorial or marketing.
This post is suitable as a job share opportunity. This post is deemed as politically restricted. As designated politically restricted officers, employees will not be allowed to undertake certain activities. Please refer to the guidance attached for further information.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
We can offer generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives, a reward package which recognises your contribution, flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities, continuous Learning & Development, a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings, and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development.
Closing date: Sunday 23 August at 12 midnight. Interview date: Wednesday 2 September. Internally advertised posts are only open to CYC, WWY and Be Independent employees. Explore and Veritau employees are not eligible to apply for these posts.
Communications Officer employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also ensures a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer
✨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 City of York 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 City of York 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 City of York 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
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 City of York 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 City of York Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York 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.
