Communications Adviser

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in the UK is seeking a Communications Advisor to enhance its reputation through innovative multi-channel communication strategies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations, superb writing skills, and the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences. Responsibilities include advising senior leaders, managing media relations, and producing impactful reports. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and a positive work environment in Hampshire.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Pension scheme

Interest-free travel loans

Qualifications

• Experience delivering successful communications outcomes, preferably in public sector.
• Ability to create clear, engaging communication strategies for varied audiences.
• Proven PR expertise including crisis communications and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of multi-channel communications.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and manage resources effectively.
• Produce high-quality reports and evaluations to support corporate identity.

Skills

Public relations expertise

Strong planning and organizational skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Interpersonal and stakeholder management

Creative digital content creation

Education

Graduate or equivalent in public relations, marketing, or communications

Tools

Google Analytics

Microsoft 365

Job description

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Job Reference: HCC623063

Salary Range: £48,948 - £54,423 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23 January 2026

We’re seeking a highly skilled senior communications professional with proven, extensive experience to join our Communications service within one of the largest and highest performing County Councils in the country. You’ll bring your expertise and confidence to lead and advise on multi-channel communications strategies to promote and enhance the County Council’s reputation, with a specific focus on adult social care and Public Health.

The Role:

Hampshire County Council has a strong reputation for delivering high-performing essential services to our 1.4 million residents and engaging efficiently and effectively with the people of Hampshire, our staff, partners and stakeholders, the news media and more.

As a Communications Advisor, you’ll lead, advise on and deliver a range of comprehensive communications activities and strategies, to promote the County Council’s reputation and meet corporate, directorate and service objectives.

Using your outstanding written and digital communication skills, you'll be highly skilled in creating and implementing high-quality, engaging communications strategies and materials – which maximise the use of digital and social channels to positively engage a wide range of internal and external audiences and deliver excellent results.

You’ll have proven experience of proactively identifying communications priorities, and the ability to communicate them clearly and succinctly - evidencing their positive impact, every step of the way.

As a confident and strong self-starter, you'll demonstrate a positive, proactive approach, together with high levels of pragmatism and resilience.

With new and innovative ways of thinking, you’ll enjoy finding effective and creative solutions to complex communications challenges, while getting involved in the detail and demonstrating a real understanding of the issues involved.

A strong team player with proven relationship management skills, you’ll be comfortable operating at all levels of seniority including with Directors, heads of service, managers, Councillors, key stakeholders and partners.

You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire [and the Isle of Wight or other local authority], and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary.

What you’ll do:

In this role, you'll lead the planning and delivery of innovative, multi channel communications strategies that support corporate and service priorities. You’ll provide expert advice to senior leaders, manage resources effectively, and use insight and data to shape effective communications activity. Working collaboratively with partners, you'll help protect and enhance the Council’s reputation, manage media relations (including participation in the duty rota), and support major incident communications when required. You'll also produce high quality reports and evaluations, champion the County Council’s corporate identity, and contribute to continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified to either graduate or equivalent public relations, marketing or communications professional qualification
• Significant experience delivering successful communications outcomes in fast paced environments, ideally within public sector or local government
• Strong planning, organisational, written and verbal skills, with experience in creating clear, engaging communications strategies/plans/campaigns and adapting complex messages for varied audiences and channels
• Proven PR and media expertise, including crisis communications, managing sensitive issues and securing positive coverage
• Skilled in producing creative digital, video and social media content, and using analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, social insights) to inform strategy and demonstrate impact
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management abilities, with confidence operating at all levels, including with senior leaders, Councillors and partners
• Good political awareness; strong understanding of comms ethics, legal considerations, corporate requirements, and proficient use of key digital and Office tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, Vuelio, scheduling tools)

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.

Please note this post is Politically Restricted.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.