At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful marketing campaigns to recruit and retain foster carers across the South West.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with the chance to collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real social impact while showcasing your creativity and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications and a passion for storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 38510 - 40444 £ per year.
Salary: £38,510 - £40,444 per annum
Hours per week: 37
Fixed Term: To 31 March 2027
Interview Date: Friday 02 October 2026
Are you a creative communications professional with a passion for making a difference? We are looking for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to help deliver impactful marketing, recruitment and engagement campaigns that support the recruitment and retention of foster carers across the South West.
Working as part of our dynamic Fostering and Communications team, you’ll develop compelling content, manage multi-channel campaigns and use audience insight to drive engagement, enquiries and positive outcomes for children and young people in need of foster care.
Fostering South West is a Department for Education-funded regional partnership that supports fostering recruitment and retention across 15 local authorities in the South West. Through targeted marketing, early support for prospective foster carers, and a shared regional approach, the Hub works to increase the number, quality and diversity of fostering placements, helping to ensure more children can grow up in safe, stable and loving homes.
In this varied and influential role, you will lead the planning and delivery of integrated communications activity across digital, print, media and engagement channels. You will oversee websites, social media, CRM journeys, paid advertising and media relations, ensuring all communications are creative, evidence-based and aligned with strategic objectives.
You will also support and guide Communications Officers, provide expert communications advice and build strong relationships with local authority partners, agencies and stakeholders across the region.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident communications practitioner who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will have excellent writing and editorial skills, experience managing complex communications activity and a flair for storytelling that authentically showcases the voices of foster carers.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want your work to have real social impact, we would love to hear from you.
Contact details: Ian Jarman, Team Manager, ian.jarman@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.
We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
Senior Communications Officer – Regional Fostering Hub in Trowbridge employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer for aspiring lifeguards, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises safety and community engagement. With opportunities for career growth through NPLQ training and a commitment to employee development, you will find a rewarding role that not only enhances your skills but also allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of pool members. Join us in a vibrant location where teamwork and public service are at the heart of what we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer – Regional Fostering Hub in Trowbridge
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Wiltshire. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Wiltshire, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Wiltshire inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer – Regional Fostering Hub in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Wiltshire. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Wiltshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
