Communications Officer in Cirencester

Clear, trusted communication has never been more important. In a fast moving digital world, we need to ensure our messages cut through - helping people feel informed, supported and connected to the place they live. Currently, Cotswold District Council is collaborating with other councils across Gloucestershire as part of an exciting programme of Local Government Reorganisation, bringing new challenges and opportunities to engage our residents, staff and stakeholders. But as we prepare for this future, we continue to deliver vital services that matter to our communities today from planning for sustainable growth and improving recycling and waste services, to tackling climate change, supporting residents through the cost of living, and working with partners to promote health and wellbeing. Strong, creative communication is essential to in bringing this all to life.

We’re now looking for a proactive and creative Communications Officer to help tell these stories producing engaging, high‑quality digital content that connects with our audiences.

As a Communications Officer, you’ll play a hands‑on role in supporting the delivery of effective, engaging communications across a variety of channels. This will include a strong focus on digital content creation – including video, social media and visual storytelling. You’ll work with colleagues across the council to support campaigns, create high‑impact content, support media activity and deliver communications that promote the council’s priorities and keep our audiences informed. This is a varied and rewarding role in a supportive team, ideal for someone who enjoys working at pace, has a strong creative instinct, and is confident bringing stories to life through digital formats. This role is full time but for a fixed term up until March 31st 2028.

You will be:

• A proactive self‑starter who enjoys turning ideas into engaging content
• A clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal
• Creative, with a strong eye for visual design, storytelling and audience engagement
• Confident working across digital platforms, with a strong understanding of what works online and experience creating digital content, including video and social media assets
• Curious about audiences and motivated to continually improve how we communicate
• Comfortable managing a varied workload and delivering to deadlines
• Collaborative, with the ability to build positive working relationships

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting the delivery of communications plans and campaigns
• Planning, filming and editing video content to support campaigns and storytelling
• Managing and growing engagement across digital channels
• Supporting media relations, including drafting press releases and handling enquiries
• Supporting internal communications to keep staff informed and aligned
• Working with colleagues and partners to promote key projects and services
• Assisting with events and campaign activity, including digital coverage
• Monitoring performance and using insight to refine and improve content

You’ll need:

• The ability and skills to create engaging digital content, including video and social media
• Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt content for different platforms and audiences
• Good technical skills in content creation tools (e.g. video editing, social media platforms)
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• An understanding of digital channels, analytics and audience engagement
• Good stakeholder and relationship management skills
• The ability to use insight and data to improve communications activity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A genuine interest in how creative communications can support communities and services

Special Conditions:

• Use of a car for work purposes
• This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Benefits:

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
• An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice
• A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

EEO Statement: Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.

Recruitment Practices: Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre‑employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.