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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and manage media relations for a local authority.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority focused on effective communication and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with 1-2 days in the office and a chance to shape impactful strategies.
- 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, is essential.
- Other info: This is a 6-month interim role, perfect for those seeking impactful short-term opportunities.
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.
- 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. This will not only help you understand their goals but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local government or public sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the organisation, giving you an edge in understanding their culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to deliver strategic communications plans and manage media relations. Being able to discuss specific projects where you've successfully engaged stakeholders will highlight your suitability for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key stakeholders within the council and their communication styles. Understanding who you’ll be working with and how they prefer to communicate can help you build rapport quickly and position yourself as a trusted advisor from day one.
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your confidence as a communications professional. Discuss how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the role and how you can contribute to the organisation's goals.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of high-impact work you've delivered in fast-paced environments. This could be successful communications strategies or effective media relations you've managed.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starfish Search
✨Know Your Communications Strategy
Familiarise yourself with the current communications strategy of the local authority. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance or refresh it, demonstrating your understanding of strategic communications and alignment with organisational goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in local government or the public sector, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Writing Skills
Bring samples of your writing, such as press releases or briefings, to showcase your ability to communicate effectively. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you tailor messages for different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific communication challenges or projects. Think about past experiences where you successfully managed change communications and be ready to share those stories.
