Communications Manager

HORSHAM DISTRICT COUNCIL; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority is seeking a dynamic Communications Manager to enhance public engagement and uphold the Council's reputation. This pivotal role involves crafting strategic communications, managing a dedicated team, and ensuring effective messaging during critical incidents. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in public relations and internal communications within complex organizations. Emphasizing a supportive work culture, this Council offers flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, making it an exciting place to advance your career in public service.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Car lease scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional development reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience at a senior level in a large, complex organization.
• Proven track record in handling complex media and public relations issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications strategies and corporate narrative.
• Lead the Communications department and manage media during emergencies.

Skills

Public Relations

Media Management

Crisis Communication

Social Media Management

Internal Communications

Education

Degree in Communications or related field

Chartered Institute of Marketing or Public Relations Diploma

NCTJ Level 5 or equivalent

Management qualifications (Level 5)

Job description

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Sector: Marketing & PR

Function: PR

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

We're looking for a Communications Manager

to be our all–round communications expert – ensuring high levels of public engagement and satisfaction with the Council and its services, while protecting and improving our reputation.

About the role

Preparing and implementing our communications strategies and corporate narrative, you'll build strong relationships across the Council to identify innovation, best practice, and positive messages to promote to the media and residents.

Your responsibilities include supporting the Chief Executive with internal and external messaging, leading and managing the Communications department team, arranging specialist training in communications and marketing for councillors and senior officers, and planning for media and public information management during major incidents or civil emergencies.

About you

To succeed as a Communications Manager, you'll need experience at a senior level in a large, complex organization, covering both internal and external communications. You should be a great communicator, with a proven track record in handling complex, time-sensitive media, social media, public relations, and emergency communications issues. An understanding of local government policies, partnership working, and externalized services is important, as is experience in staff management and working with senior managers, councillors, or trustees.

Qualifications should include a degree, a Chartered Institute of Marketing or Public Relations Diploma, NCTJ Level 5 or equivalent, and management qualifications to at least Level 5 or willingness to study for ILM Level 5.

About us

We are a respected local employer with a friendly, supportive environment. As a smaller Council, you can get to know everyone!

We promote work-life balance through 28 days' annual leave, bank holidays (pro-rata), and flexible/hybrid working options.

Our benefits include discounts from online retailers, a car lease scheme, and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), where the Council contributes approximately 20% of pensionable salary.

We support professional development through reimbursement for subscriptions, training opportunities, in-house resources, short courses, apprenticeships, and qualifications such as ILM and MBA.

To apply:

Visit our Jobs and Careers page to learn more about working for Horsham District Council and our employment commitments.

When applying, clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the essential criteria outlined in the Role Profile.

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