At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for council improvement and transformation initiatives.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, committed to community engagement and organisational growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape local governance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through impactful communication strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in multichannel communications and engagement in large organisations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on cultural change and organisational stability.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To lead the planning, development and delivery of strategic communications that support Cheshire East Council’s Improvement and Transformation Delivery Plan. The postholder will be responsible for designing and delivering clear, compelling and high-impact communications that help staff, members, partners and residents understand, engage with and participate in the council’s improvement journey.
The role will provide expert advice to senior leaders, drive forward proactive communications for major transformation programmes, and ensure that communication and engagement activity supports the council’s four improvement priorities: Financial Sustainability; Good Governance and Decision Making; Leadership and Culture Change; and Improving Children’s Services. The postholder will also contribute directly to strengthening organisational culture, embedding new ways of working, and helping the council move from crisis to stability through transparent, timely and effective communication.
You will have extensive, recent experience in leading and delivering effective and impactful, multichannel communications and engagement activity to internal and external audiences, to support and drive delivery of major transformational projects and programmes, and culture change, in large organisations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Co-developing the overarching communications and engagement strategy for the Improvement and Transformation delivery plan portfolio in partnership with the Corporate Communications Manager, ensuring it provides clarity, consistency and direction across six programmes.
- Working seamlessly with communications leads across the organisation to ensure messaging is aligned, updated and adapted as portfolio needs evolve - supporting them to interpret, refine and apply core messages within their own plans.
- Develop the high-level strategic narrative, ensuring the council communicates a cohesive, confident and coherent story about its improvement journey, the Target Operating Model, and organisational change (redesign) that is coming, through a range of channels including video.
- Feeding this strategic narrative into all programme and project-level communications and engagement plans, ensuring alignment and preventing duplication or conflicting messages.
- Establishing an effective cascade mechanism (briefing packs/toolkits, council-wide updates, staff events, digital channels, FAQs) that ensures core messages reach staff, members, partners and residents in an accessible and timely way.
- Maintaining and managing a portfolio-level view of communications risks, supporting programme leads to identify issues early and develop proportionate and transparent responses for those identified.
- Supporting communication around the programme timeline, highlighting key milestones, dependencies and opportunities for coordinated organisation-wide communications and engagement.
- Identifying and driving opportunities for cross-council, joined-up communications, ensuring the transformation narrative is clear, consistent and shared across all services and directorates.
- Ensuring that communication activity supports cultural change, reinforces organisational values, and helps move the council from crisis to stability.
Snr Communication Officer in Crewe employer: Deekay Technical Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Deekay Technical Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Snr Communication Officer in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Communications Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and challenges. We want you to show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the bigger picture of their Improvement and Transformation Delivery Plan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or presenting your ideas to friends, we need to ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing strategic narratives and engagement strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us drive impactful communications.
We think you need these skills to ace Snr Communication Officer in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, think about who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the council's values and priorities. Show us that you understand their improvement journey and how your skills can contribute.
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but keep it focused! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Highlight your relevant experience in leading impactful communications without waffling on. Remember, clarity is key!
Showcase Your Experience: Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your expertise in multichannel communications. We want to see how you've successfully engaged different audiences and driven transformation in large organisations. Make it relatable!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deekay Technical Recruitment
✨Know the Council's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you understand Cheshire East Council's Improvement and Transformation Delivery Plan. Familiarise yourself with their four improvement priorities and think about how your experience aligns with these goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the council's mission.
✨Prepare Your Communication Examples
Since the role focuses on leading strategic communications, come prepared with specific examples of past projects where you've successfully delivered impactful communications. Highlight your experience with multichannel strategies and how they supported transformation initiatives. Be ready to discuss the outcomes and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The job requires working seamlessly with various teams. Think of instances where you've collaborated with different departments or stakeholders to achieve a common goal. Emphasise your ability to align messaging and adapt strategies based on evolving needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current challenges the council faces in communication and how they envision the new Senior Communications Officer contributing to overcoming these hurdles. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in the role.