At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging content and manage media relations to promote Kent County Council's services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at one of the UK's largest local authorities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values every voice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of Kent residents through strategic communications.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR or media relations with excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced communications professional with a flair for storytelling, strong media instincts and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders?
We're looking for a Communications Officer to join our busy and ambitious PR & Communications team.
This is a varied role covering media relations, public relations and strategic communications, helping to promote, manage and protect the reputation of Kent County Council while ensuring residents understand the services, decisions and support available to them.
Working at the heart of one of the country's largest local authorities, you'll help tell the stories that matter – from promoting important services and campaigns to supporting the council through high-profile announcements, issues and crisis communications.
The role
No two days are the same.
You'll work across a diverse range of services, developing compelling content and proactive communications campaigns, while also responding to media enquiries and proactively placing media stories, while also providing professional communications advice to colleagues and senior leaders.
You will
- Deliver proactive and reactive communications activity across a range of channels.
- Develop media opportunities that raise awareness of council services, priorities and achievements.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local, regional and national media.
- Create engaging content including news releases, articles, features, video and social media content.
- Work with colleagues across the organisation and with external partners such as parent/carer forums and schools, to identify and develop stories and campaigns.
- Provide communications support and advice to senior officers and elected Members.
- Support reputation management and crisis communications.
- Contribute to the out-of-hours communications rota and emergency response arrangements.
About you
We're looking for someone who combines excellent communications skills with experience in how the media operates.
You might currently work PR, media relations, or a similar field.
Most importantly, you'll know how to identify a good story, engage different audiences and communicate complex information in a clear and accessible way.
You'll have
- Experience in a PR, press office or newsroom environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- An understanding of media relations and what makes a strong news story and the ability to adapt it to online, TV and radio.
- Confidence building relationships with journalists, stakeholders and senior colleagues.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
- Sound judgement, political awareness and a professional approach to handling sensitive issues.
- A proactive, collaborative approach and a passion for excellent communications.
This is an opportunity to work on issues that have a real impact on the lives of Kent residents.
You'll join a supportive, professional team working at the heart of the decision-making teams in the Council to deliver PR and communications that inform, engage and build trust across a wide range of important public services.
If you're an experienced communications professional who enjoys combining strategic communications, content creation and media relations, we'd love to hear from you.
For further information on this role, please contact Tracey Gleeson, Head of PR & Communications - tracey. gleeson@kent. gov. uk
About the Company
Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
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Communications Officer in Maidstone employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer in Maidstone
✨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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Maidstone
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 Kent County 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 Kent County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County 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.
