At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging communications to inform and connect with the community during local government changes.
- Company: Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council, a dynamic team driving transformation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for collaboration and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of significant change in local government and enhance community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications or PR, strong writing skills, and political awareness.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
This is an exciting time to join Folkestone & Hythe District Council. We're creating an additional Media & Communications Officer role to strengthen our communications capacity during a period of significant transformation across local government. As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) progresses, effective communication and engagement will be more important than ever. This newly created position will play a vital role in helping residents, businesses, stakeholders and staff understand the changes ahead, while supporting the council's day-to-day communications activity, maintaining confidence in current services and protecting our reputation.
Working closely with emerging local government partners across Kent, you'll help deliver clear, consistent and engaging communications that support collaboration, build trust and keep communities informed throughout this period of change.
The role is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working on high-profile projects that make a real difference. This is a hybrid role, which requires a minimum office presence of one day per week in our Civic Centre offices in Folkestone. You'll work across a wide range of communications activities, including:
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and partner organisations to develop proactive communications opportunities, using a variety of channels, to demonstrate the work of the council for its residents and businesses.
- Managing media enquiries, advising on responses, ensuring timely replies and creating briefings for council interviewees.
- Supporting communications linked to Local Government Reorganisation and wider council priorities and helping coordinate joint communications activity.
- Writing compelling content for press releases, websites, social media and publications.
- Advising senior officers and councillors on communications matters.
- Monitoring media coverage, evaluating pro-active communications, effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Supporting the council's response to sensitive issues and reputational risks.
About you: You'll be a talented communicator with outstanding writing skills, strong political awareness and the confidence to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience working in communications, PR or media relations.
- Is comfortable managing competing priorities and responding quickly to emerging issues.
- Builds strong working relationships and enjoys collaborative working.
- Is excited by the opportunity to contribute to one of the biggest changes facing local government in a generation.
- Can work effectively with partner organisations to deliver aligned and impactful communications.
If you're looking for a communications role with real purpose, influence and variety, we'd love to hear from you.
Media & Communications Officer in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering flexible working arrangements and a generous leave package, including up to 31 days of annual leave plus additional benefits. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the council fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the local community, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career opportunity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media & Communications Officer in Folkestone
✨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 Folkestone Hythe. 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 Folkestone Hythe, 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 Folkestone Hythe 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 Media & Communications Officer in Folkestone
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 Folkestone Hythe. 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 Folkestone Hythe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone Hythe
✨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.
