Communications Business Partner in Stevenage

Job Introduction

Job Title: Communications Business Partner – Community Protection

Starting Salary: £48,226 - £53,460 per annum (pro rata for part time) - Pay award pending

Hours: 18.5 hours per week (part-time, job share). Working pattern is likely to be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Location: Stevenage (hybrid working), with travel across Hertfordshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Directorate: Resources

About The Team

Use the Power of Communication to Make a Difference

We're looking for an experienced and creative communications professional to join Hertfordshire County Council's award-winning Corporate Communications team as a Communications Business Partner supporting our Community Protection Directorate.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of services that help keep Hertfordshire's residents safe, healthy and informed. You'll act as a trusted communications adviser to senior leaders, elected Members and service teams, developing strategic campaigns and communications that deliver real impact for communities across the county.

About The Role

As Communications Business Partner, you'll lead on communications for a diverse and high-profile portfolio, including:

• Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Trading Standards
• Public Health
• Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Partnership
• Other Community Protection services and partnerships

You'll develop and deliver insight-led communications strategies, manage complex and sensitive issues, and identify opportunities to engage residents, partners and stakeholders. Working collaboratively across teams, you'll bring together colleagues from different disciplines to create clear, compelling and measurable communications that support organisational priorities.

No two days are the same. One day you could be developing a public safety campaign, the next advising senior leaders on a reputation-sensitive issue or supporting a major partnership initiative.

About You

We're looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with creativity and excellent stakeholder management skills.

You will have:

• Significant experience in strategic communications, public affairs, marketing or a related field.
• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful communications strategies and campaigns.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and building trusted professional relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
• Experience managing complex, sensitive or high-profile communications issues.
• The ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence without direct authority.
• A creative, proactive approach and a keen eye for opportunities to enhance engagement and impact.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a talented, supportive and award-winning communications team that plays a vital role in shaping how residents experience and engage with council services.

This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful issues that affect people's lives every day, while enjoying flexible working, professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to communities across Hertfordshire.

If you're a strategic communicator who thrives on building relationships, influencing outcomes and delivering impactful campaigns, we'd love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is Level 12. Please locate the job profile here:

Job profiles – Corporate services

Interview Date: TBC

Benefits of working for us

Additional Information

We are changing

Hertfordshire County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Hertfordshire County on 1 April 2028, it is expected that most roles will transfer to the newly‑created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.

LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better. To find out more, visit https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/

Disability Confident

We are proud to be aDisability Confident employerand guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Driving Required

You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.