At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging communication campaigns and manage media relations for impactful storytelling.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, 27 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a focus on employee wellbeing and support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while honing your PR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, strong writing skills, and media relations expertise.
The predicted salary is between 33143 - 36343 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: 000012214
Date posted: 27/05/2026
Application closing date: 14/06/2026
Working Pattern: Blank
Salary Grade G £33,143 - £36,343 a year
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: Communications / PR
Location: The Council House/Hybrid
Hours: 37 hours a week
Closing Date: 14 June 2026
Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31 August 2027, other posts available various contract lengths between 1-3 years
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver insight‑based, creative promotional communication and marketing campaigns that align with business objectives.
- Work on the Council’s busy media desk, liaising with local and national press.
- Write news articles, press releases, statements and other media content.
- Manage media relations and maintain strong news sense.
- Produce short‑form video content, including filming and editing, where relevant.
- Support internal communications channels to keep colleagues informed.
- Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.
Qualifications
- Experienced communications professional with a strong background in PR.
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with an ability to produce clear, engaging content.
- Proven track record of successful media relations and campaign management.
- Understanding of digital media, social platforms, and analytics.
- Experience in filming, editing short‑form video is desirable.
- Diplomatic, confident, and enthusiastic approach to stakeholder engagement.
What We Offer
- Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role)
- Modern office environment (depending on your job location)
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service), plus bank holidays (depending on contract)
- Local Government Pension Scheme (depending on contract)
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
- Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers, our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. As many of our roles can now be home‑based, we are able to offer more opportunities for people who need this facility. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job. We feel it is essential that we recruit a talented workforce that is as diverse as the community we work for. Please let us know of any individual requirements or reasonable adjustments you may have during the application, interview, or onboarding process and we’ll do all we can to help. We strongly believe in social understanding of disability and for us it’s all about removing barriers to equality.
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy or are having difficulty applying, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK - 18001 01332 640 844) or at recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk.
Communications Officer in Leicester employer: Derby City Council
As a Communications Officer with the Council, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to various employee support networks, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful community engagement while enjoying a balanced work/life dynamic. Join us in a modern office setting or from the comfort of your home, and be part of a team that values diversity and fosters creativity in communication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer in Leicester
✨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 Derby 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 Derby 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 Derby 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 Leicester
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 Derby 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 Derby City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby 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.
