Interim Senior Communications Officer

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.

Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.

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.