Communications, External Affairs & Events Officer in London

We need an energetic and practical communications professional to help us take our work to the next level. West London Alliance (WLA) is a partnership of the 7 West London borough councils of Ealing, Brent, Barnet, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Harrow and Hammersmith & Fulham. We are hosted and employed by Ealing Council and work across all 7 boroughs to improve outcomes for residents across the sub‑region.

Alongside and building on WLA’s broad range of successful programme and service delivery, the Leaders and Chief Executives of the West London boroughs have set an ambition for WLA to step up its external-facing work to promote West London and influence regional and national decision-makers and opinion‑formers.

As part of this, we are looking for a new member of the team to join us to support our proactive and reactive communications work, focusing on profile building, media and events opportunities, and relationships with key stakeholders. You would lead and support a range of proactive communications and external affairs activities, including managing social media, assisting with media coverage, running events and maintaining relations with key internal and external stakeholders, to raise the profile of West London and the West London boroughs and to help progress West London boroughs’ joint influencing priorities.

The post will be line managed by the Communications and Marketing Lead. The post holder would be expected to work from the office for a minimum of one day per week, and to attend the office, other council premises and meetings and events across London as required.

The role requires a working knowledge of local authorities and the politics of London and the UK. You will have the ability to work well with a range of partners, colleagues and stakeholders, from elected councillors to charities and business organisations. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable and competent across a range of tasks, including website and social media management, organising and delivering events and basic graphic design. You will have strong organisational skills and be comfortable working to short deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Our Candidate

• Working knowledge of local authorities and the politics of London and the UK.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to build strong working relationships with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to help ensure that the WLA’s priorities are clear and understood.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively – both in person and in writing – with a wide range of audiences.
• Competence with website management and social media.
• Familiarity with basic graphic design.
• Competence in coordinating and delivering events.
• Strong organisational skills; comfortable working to short deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience working in communications, marketing, media, events or related fields.
• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Ealing Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Ealing follows safer recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This role is subject to enhanced vetting clearance. You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence of this will be requested at the interview stage.

We value equality, fairness, and inclusion, and welcome applications from all residents of the borough. We particularly encourage applications from early‑career and mid‑career professionals who are underrepresented in our workforce. All applications will be assessed on merit.