Internal Communications Manager in Reading

We’re looking for an experienced and highly motivated Internal Communications Manager to lead and deliver the Council’s internal communications strategy. This is a pivotal role that ensures our people are informed, engaged and able to contribute to the organisation’s priorities especially during a period of transformation. Reporting directly to the Head of Communications & Marketing, you’ll lead a small team and work closely with senior leaders, helping shape clear, timely and effective messaging across a range of channels. You’ll also support wider corporate projects, major campaigns and organisational initiatives.

About the role

In this role, you’ll lead the planning and delivery of a comprehensive internal communications programme that keeps staff and stakeholders informed, inspired and involved. You’ll manage channels, oversee campaigns and ensure a consistent corporate narrative is embedded across the organisation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the internal communications strategy, narrative, annual plan and calendar of key corporate moments.
• Managing and delivering high‑quality internal communication campaigns, projects and staff engagement events.
• Creating and editing content for internal channels including the intranet, newsletters, email bulletins, photography, audio and video.
• Advising senior leaders, officers and members on internal communications issues and providing constructive challenge when needed.
• Evaluating campaigns and reporting on data, insight and audience engagement.
• Leading the development and implementation of the internal brand (Team Reading) and ensuring consistency across channels.
• Line managing the Digital Communications and Marketing Officer and Digital Communications & Marketing Assistant.
• Supporting crisis communication responses to ensure staff stay informed during reputational or service‑impacting events.
• Managing internal communications budgets and ensuring value for money.
• Keeping up to date with trends and best practice in internal communications.

About you

You’ll be an experienced internal communications professional with strong strategic thinking, excellent judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships across an organisation. You’ll bring energy, creativity and a calm, solutions focused approach even in a fast‑moving environment. We’re looking for someone with:

• Professional qualifications and/or membership of a relevant communications body.
• Evidence of advanced training in areas such as internal communications, campaign planning, copywriting or design.
• Proven experience delivering internal communications campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.
• A track record of developing and managing effective internal communication channels, including digital engagement.
• Experience creating engaging content for varied audiences and evaluating impact.
• Strong advisory skills, particularly with senior leaders.
• Excellent written communication, judgement, political awareness and a sharp news sense.
• The ability to build positive internal relationships and work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Understanding of modern communications techniques and how they can be evaluated.
• Experience of local government is highly desirable.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

• Work Together as one team – champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading.
• Drive Efficiency – create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively.
• Be Ambitious – aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential.
• Make a Difference to Reading – inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.