At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage communications for adult social care and support various campaigns.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council is dedicated to improving residents' lives through effective communication.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and access to discounts and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and media, strong writing skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines required.
- Other info: We promote equality and diversity, offering guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants and care leavers.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About Us
The successful candidate will be joining an experienced team of professionals in supporting the council’s communications needs. We showcase the work of services including social care for adults and children, highways and transport, fire and rescue, trading standards, education, public health, cultural services (including libraries), waste disposal and many others. In 2024, we dealt with more than 2,000 media enquiries as well as consistently placing positive news about the council in the local, trade and national media, producing our own video and social media content – working hand in hand with colleagues across the communications team on campaigns.
About the Role
Reporting to the communications and media manager, you will be responsible for all aspects of delivering communications for adult social care while also supporting the whole team. You will often have to work to tight deadlines and respond quickly and nimbly while managing heavy workloads.
About you
The successful candidate will have substantial relevant professional communications experience including working with/within the media. You will be able to operate in a deadline driven environment, be politically aware, adept with new forms of media and digital content, while having a strong base of excellent writing skills and news sense.
Rewards and benefits
It really is true that every single job here contributes to improving the lives of residents in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong, flexible working culture and we support agile working. We offer learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us. You will also have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies, including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.
Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Communications and Media Officer employer: OXFORDSHIRE CC
Contact Detail:
OXFORDSHIRE CC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications and Media Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the council's recent communications and media campaigns. Understanding their messaging style and key focus areas will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events and issues relevant to local government communications. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will demonstrate your awareness and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed tight deadlines and heavy workloads in previous roles. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications and Media Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Communications and Media Officer position. Highlight key skills such as writing, media experience, and deadline management in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in communications and media. Include specific examples of past work that demonstrate your ability to handle media enquiries and produce content under tight deadlines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for communications and your understanding of the council's role in the community. Mention how your skills align with their needs and provide examples of your previous successes in similar roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at OXFORDSHIRE CC
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
As a Communications and Media Officer, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of various media platforms. Be prepared to discuss your experience with traditional and digital media, and how you've successfully engaged with them in past roles.
✨Highlight Your Writing Skills
Excellent writing skills are essential for this role. Bring examples of your written work, such as press releases or articles, to showcase your ability to communicate effectively and adapt your style to different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Work Under Pressure
Given the fast-paced nature of the job, be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed tight deadlines and heavy workloads in previous positions. This will show your potential employer that you can thrive in a challenging environment.
✨Emphasise Your Political Awareness
Understanding the political landscape is vital for this position. Be prepared to discuss current events and how they may impact the council's communications strategy, demonstrating your awareness of the broader context in which the council operates.