At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communication campaigns to improve local community lives.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organisation focused on community improvement and engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and flexible job options.
- Other info: Contact Louise Neilan for an informal chat about the role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a borough undergoing exciting changes and rebuild community trust.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 51400 - 59800 £ per year.
Salary: £61,425 - £70,896 per annum
Grade: I
Permanent Contract
37 Hours per Week
Are you passionate about using excellent communications to have impact and improve the lives of local communities? Do you have the energy and passion to make a real difference to a borough going through significant change? If so, this career-defining role could be for you.
As Head of Communications at Thurrock Council, you will not only play a key role in helping a council in intervention continue on its improvement journey, but you will also help the council and community build a brand new council in the area, as part of local government reorganisation.
Like all councils, Thurrock has plenty to keep its Head of Communications busy. You will take a lead role in designing and delivering evidence-based campaigns that help the council achieve its objectives and improve lives, from increasing its recycling rate to tackling poor health, generating income to supporting residents with the cost of living.
You will also play a significant role in helping the council rebuild trust with local people after the challenges of the past; modernising the way we work; and ensuring staff feel involved and informed in council decisions through significant change.
If you are a stellar communicator, a team player, and have bundles of energy to channel into making a real difference, we want to hear from you. Join us, and be part of a fresh start for Thurrock.
If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying please contact Louise Neilan, AD Communications and Engagement at louise.neilan@thurrock.gov.uk to arrange a call.
Advert Closing Date Redeployment Only: 16th June 2025
Internal & External: 29th June 2025
Interview Date: 8th July 2025
About Us
Why Thurrock? Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve. Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead. This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents. We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes. Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
Head of Communications in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a borough undergoing significant transformation. With a commitment to flexible working, generous annual leave, and a vibrant work culture that values diversity and community engagement, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping the future of Thurrock, where your contributions will directly enhance the lives of our diverse population.
Contact Details:
Thurrock Council Recruitment Team
louise.neilan@thurrock.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications in Grays
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Thurrock Council and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Thurrock Council are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Thurrock Council on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Thurrock Council. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Thurrock Council. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Thurrock Council:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Thurrock Council’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Thurrock Council will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Thurrock Council, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
