At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging narratives and content for diverse audiences in housing communications.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative change that directly impacts residents' lives in Croydon.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in media relations are essential.
The predicted salary is between 46968 - 49056 £ per year.
Salary range: Grade 11 £46,968 - £49,056 p.a. plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon
Are you a communications professional looking for your next challenge? Croydon Council’s housing service has been on a transformational journey that has seen the service go through significant change to improve homes and raise standards for residents in the borough. From tenant involvement in the selection of our new repairs contractors to estate regeneration programmes, positive, resident-led change is happening and we’re looking for a first-class communicator to join us and tell our story.
Based in the corporate communications team, this role works closely with our colleagues in housing, supporting them with the internal and external communications needed as we progress plans to improve our housing services. We’re looking for someone who can create engaging narratives and content for different audiences using a range of channels. Strong planning and evaluation skills are a must, as well as confidence in briefing the media, working at pace to meet deadlines and advising senior managers and councillors.
Our tenants and leaseholders have been at the heart of our improvement plans and it’s essential we keep them, our staff and many valued partners informed and involved in future change. We want someone who is passionate about working with key stakeholders to create communications tailored to reach Croydon’s diverse communities.
If this sounds like the role for you, or you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to get in touch. For a chat about the role contact Katie Edland - katie.edland@croydon.gov.uk
About Us
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities
Key Business Plan Outcomes
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
Croydon Council’s new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Communications Officer - Housing employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where compassion and community service are at the forefront. As a Resource Officer at the South London Coroner’s Court, you will not only play a vital role in assisting bereaved families but also benefit from flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive team. The council values its employees, providing a meaningful career path in public service that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer - Housing
✨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 Croydon 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 Croydon 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 Croydon 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 - Housing
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 Croydon 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 Croydon Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon 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.
