At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging content and manage communications for a heritage restoration project.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Cotswold Canals Connected in Stroud.
- Benefits: Flexible working, excellent pension scheme, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic project shaping the future of local government.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community engagement and local heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and social media management is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Temporary, fixed term contract until December 2027. Join us and help tell the story of one of Gloucestershire's most exciting heritage and community projects. Cotswold Canals Connected (CCC) is a major restoration project, funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, to restore Stroud’s waterways and reconnect them to the national network. The project is seeking a creative and enthusiastic Communications Officer to help engage communities with the restoration and celebration of the Stroud canals.
Working as part of our Community Engagement Team, you'll play a key role in delivering the project's communication plan and building connections between people and the heritage of Stroud’s canals.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys creating engaging content and working directly with communities. You'll develop and deliver communications campaigns, manage our digital channels, produce newsletters, identify media opportunities, and support community engagement activities and events. You'll work closely with project partners, voluntary organisations, and Stroud District Council's Communications Team to create a narrative that brings a broad range of audiences along on the restoration journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver the Cotswold Canals Connected Communications Plan.
- Create engaging content across digital and traditional communication channels.
- Manage and grow CCC's social media presence across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
- Produce public-facing reports and promotional materials.
- Identify and maximise opportunities to reach key audiences and stakeholders.
- Support community engagement activities, events and public information sessions.
- Monitor communications performance through website and social media analytics.
- Maintain an organised archive of project images, videos and media content.
- Contribute communications updates to project boards and funding reports.
About You
We’re looking for someone who combines creativity with excellent organisational skills and a passion for community engagement. You’ll ideally have:
- Experience working in a communications, marketing or public engagement role.
- Experience managing social media platforms and creating engaging content.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A creative approach to reaching different audiences.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Confidence engaging with community groups, partners and members of the public.
- An understanding of the voluntary and community sector.
- A genuine interest in local heritage, the environment or community engagement would be highly advantageous.
- Experience working with volunteers or in the voluntary, public or not-for-profit sectors would also be welcomed.
You’ll be joining a passionate team working on a nationally significant heritage and community project that is making a lasting difference across the district.
CLOSING DATE: 11th October 2026
INTERVIEW DATE: 20th & 21st October 2026
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government. It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring. We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services.
We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all. Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious.
Region: Location: Ebley Mill - Stroud
Salary: GBP 34,811 pro rata
Package: Excellent pension scheme - Flexi Working Scheme - Hybrid working approach - Employee Wellbeing Offer
Contractual hours: 22.2
Basis: Temporary
Communications Officer (Cotswold Canals Connected) (Temporary) (Part Time) - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Minchinhampton employer: Stroud District Council
Stroud District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the picturesque Cotswolds while championing sustainability and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on professional development, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact. Join us in shaping the future of local government and enjoy a rewarding career with excellent benefits, including a robust pension scheme and support for diverse needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer (Cotswold Canals Connected) (Temporary) (Part Time) - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Minchinhampton
✨Dive into Local PR Events
Get yourself to any local PR meetups or networking events in your area. These gatherings are perfect for making connections with professionals in the field, and you never know who might have a lead on a part-time gig with companies like Stroud District Council!
✨Leverage Social Media
PR is all about visibility, so show off your skills on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Share insights on current trends, engage with industry leaders, and tag companies you admire, like Stroud District Council. It’s a great way to catch their eye and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Volunteer for PR Projects
Look for opportunities to volunteer in PR roles, even if they’re unpaid. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and make professional connections that could lead to part-time openings.
✨Tap into University Resources
If you're currently at uni, check on your career services for part-time PR opportunities. Many larger companies, including Stroud District Council, keep an eye out for budding talent at universities. They might even have exclusive listings just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer (Cotswold Canals Connected) (Temporary) (Part Time) - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Minchinhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Make Your Passion Shine Through:In your cover letter, we want to see why you're into public relations! Share what draws you to the field and any relevant experiences, even if they're volunteer gigs or university projects. Show us your enthusiasm, and don't hold back on your stories!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:PR is all about strong communication! Include samples of your writing—whether that’s press releases, blog posts, or social media content—in your application. If you have a portfolio or something similar, definitely attach it. This is where you can truly demonstrate your flair for captivating content.
Tailor Your CV to the PR World:When crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your understanding of PR concepts. Include any internships, volunteer work, or even part-time roles where you had to communicate effectively or manage public relations tasks—this will help us see your fit for the role at Stroud District Council.
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a part-time role, make sure to mention your availability clearly in your application. Are you a student juggling classes, or do you have other commitments? Being upfront about your schedule helps us plan better and shows that you’re considerate of our needs too. We want to find a mutually beneficial arrangement!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stroud District Council
✨Know Your Buzzwords
Public relations is all about communication, so make sure you're up-to-date with the latest buzzwords and trends in the industry. Brush up on terms like 'media relations', 'stakeholder engagement', and 'crisis management', as they might come up in conversation with Stroud District Council.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
As you're applying for a part-time role, it’s crucial to showcase your past work. Prepare a portfolio with examples of press releases, media kits, or campaigns you've contributed to. This tangible evidence of your skills can set you apart and demonstrate your hands-on experience to Stroud District Council.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions, like handling a PR crisis or managing a challenging client relationship. Think about past experiences where you've had to think on your feet, as these reflective examples will show your problem-solving abilities and how you work under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since it's a part-time role, make sure to emphasise your availability and how you can fit into Stroud District Council's schedule. Speak about your ability to manage multiple projects or juggle responsibilities, as the PR environment is fast-paced and needs someone who can adapt quickly.
