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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and manage media relations for a local authority.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority focused on impactful communication strategies.
- Benefits: Flexible working with 1-2 days in the office and a chance to shape communications.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public communication while collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, ideally within local government or public sector.
- Other info: This is a 6-month interim role, perfect for gaining valuable experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Starfish Search is working with a local authority to recruit an Interim Senior Communications Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering a refreshed communications strategy and shaping how the organisation communicates both internally and externally. The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across the council to embed a strategic, coordinated, and future-focused approach to communications.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver strategic communications plans, ensuring they are proactive, responsive, and aligned with organisational goals.
- Draft press releases and briefings, and manage media relations.
- Build strong relationships across internal teams.
- Provide communications input into events and projects.
- Help embed effective communications within the broader council strategy, ensuring it supports service delivery and long-term objectives.
About You
- A confident communications professional who can operate at a senior level and deliver high-impact work in a fast-paced environment.
- An experienced relationship-builder, ideally with a background in local government or the wider public sector.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and change communications.
- Able to work independently and provide trusted support to senior leaders.
- A strong writer with excellent planning and media-handling skills.
This is a 6-month interim opportunity, requiring 1–2 days per week in the office in the South East.
Interim Senior Communications Officer employer: Starfish Search
Contact Detail:
Starfish Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current communications strategy and recent initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local government sector, especially those involved in communications. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections and gain insights into best practices that you can bring to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully implemented strategic communications plans. Be ready to discuss how you managed stakeholder engagement and adapted your strategies to meet organisational goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your writing skills by preparing a mock press release or briefing on a relevant topic for the local authority. This will not only highlight your abilities but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, particularly in local government or the public sector. Emphasise your skills in stakeholder engagement and change communications, as these are key for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your confidence and ability to deliver high-impact work. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed communications strategies or built relationships with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing is crucial for this position, consider including samples of your previous work, such as press releases or briefings. This will demonstrate your capability in drafting effective communications.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, discuss your approach to developing strategic communications plans. Explain how you ensure alignment with organisational goals and how you measure the success of your communications efforts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starfish Search
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement strategic communications plans. Highlight your experience in aligning communications with organisational goals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous positions. This will show your ability to engage effectively within a local government or public sector context.
✨Prepare for Media Relations Questions
Expect questions about your experience with drafting press releases and managing media relations. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've handled media inquiries or crises in the past.
✨Exhibit Strong Writing Skills
As a strong writer is essential for this position, consider bringing samples of your work or preparing a brief writing exercise. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.
