Communications Officer

Surrey Police; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey Police seeks a talented communications professional to enhance public engagement through storytelling and effective media relations. This dynamic role involves developing communication strategies, managing stakeholder relationships, and responding to national media inquiries. The successful candidate will have excellent written skills and the ability to create engaging content across various channels while working collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Career progression

Contributory pension scheme (LGPS)

Generous annual leave allowance

On-site gyms and a range of sports clubs

Generous parental leave

Wellbeing guidance and support

Discounted contributory healthcare scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a communications role is required.
• Degree-level or equivalent professional qualification in communications.
• Knowledge of media law would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver tactical communications.
• Engage with staff and manage media enquiries.
• Work autonomously under pressure while managing stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Creative content development

Problem solving

Written communication

Social media usage

Education

Degree level qualification in communications

CIM, CIPR or MRS qualification

Job description

We are looking for a talented and creative communications professional to join our team.

If you’re passionate about public service, and know how to use storytelling to connect with a wide range of audiences to build trust and confidence, keep reading!

We want to hear from candidates with excellent written and verbal skills, who have a flair for creating engaging visual content with a purpose.

The job holder will be an important part of delivering every aspect of communications including responding to national media enquiries on high profile issues or pitching proactive opportunities, developing behaviour change campaigns, engaging with staff through internal channels, supporting incident response, and using social media and our website to shout about our work.

You’ll be able to accurately identify risks and opportunities, think creatively about what to do next, and respond to real time issues and trends that impact Surrey Police and our people.

We are a data led team, using analytics and insights to inform what we do next. We are looking for a curious and creative mind to help us engage with a wide range of audiences in a way that speaks to them.

You will hold a crucial role delivering tactical communications and advising colleagues at all levels across the Force. Effectively managing stakeholders and building relationships is key, as you’ll regularly work with officers and staff.

The post holder will be driven, a problem solver, and able to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment. In exchange, we’ll provide training and support as you stretch your skills and make a difference from day one.

In this role you’ll get a front row seat to policing where no two days are the same. You’ll primarily be working across the news and strategic communications functions, but there may also be the opportunity to work across other portfolios including supporting engagement or change implementation.

You will need to have previous experience a communications role, and we welcome applicants from across all sectors as well as those already working in policing.

While the role will be based at Surrey Police HQ in Guildford, we support hybrid working.

Skills & Experience

• Degree level qualification/equivalent professional experience in a relevant communications discipline or vocational or post-graduate communications qualification, such as CIM, CIPR or MRS
• Experience of delivery of end-to-end integrated internal/change/public information or behavioural communications across multiple channels using tools to assist with audience segmentation
• Experience of media relations and/or in managing media enquiries. Knowledge of media law would assist in this role
• Evidence of using innovative techniques to target identified audiences and convert communications objectives into tangible outcomes
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, with experience of stakeholder management including liaising and advising people at a senior level and from a range of backgrounds
• Strong writing skills and developing creative content. Ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels, with attention to detail
• Ability to operate autonomously and problem solve at a tactical level
• Ability to balance and manage conflict between short and long term priorities and reactive/proactive work under pressure
• Understanding and experience of using social media channels in a work environment to build awareness, understanding and confidence.

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working.

We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;

• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme

Please use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with Surrey Police.

Further Information

If you'd like to discuss the role further, please contact Nicola Burress, Head of News [e-mail] or Kerry Bowles, Communications Manager [e-mail].