Communications Officer

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority seeks a Communications and Engagement Officer for a 2-month contract in London. This dynamic role involves managing media relations, digital campaigns, and community engagements, ensuring effective communication and safeguarding the organization's reputation. Suitable candidates will have extensive experience in communication roles and strong editorial skills to craft targeted messages across various platforms.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in communications or media relations within a complex organization.
• Strong writing, editorial, and proofreading skills.
• Practical understanding of HTML for digital content management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage integrated communications and engagement campaigns.
• Act as a media liaison, drafting statements and handling press inquiries.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of campaigns using analytical tools.

Skills

Communications

Media Relations

Digital Content Management

Campaign Management

Editorial Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Data Interpretation

Education

Relevant qualifications in journalism, marketing, or public relations

Tools

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Media Tracking Platforms

Digital Design Tools

Job description

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2 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• A highly dynamic and strategic role responsible for delivering effective internal and external communications, media relations, and community engagement campaigns across digital and traditional channels.

• The Communications and Engagement Officer plays a key role in protecting and enhancing the organisation’s reputation, advising senior stakeholders, managing media enquiries, and delivering digital content that aligns with the organisation’s values and objectives.

• This role also includes overseeing consultation processes and working collaboratively across departments to ensure clear, accessible, and impactful communication.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Develop and manage integrated communications and engagement campaigns aligned with organisational priorities, including marketing, media, and public engagement initiatives.

• Create, edit and manage a range of content across channels including websites, printed publications, social media, and press releases—ensuring clarity, accessibility, and consistency.

• Act as a media liaison, responding to press enquiries, drafting statements, and supporting proactive media relations to safeguard and promote the organisation’s reputation.

• Lead and coordinate consultations, surveys, and public engagement initiatives, including designing methodologies, analysing results, and reporting to stakeholders.

• Support corporate web development projects, manage digital content (including metadata and search engine optimisation), and maintain the usability and architecture of online platforms.

• Provide communication advice to councillors, officers, and service managers; deliver media training where needed and produce daily updates on communications issues.

• Collaborate with designers, photographers, and digital contractors to ensure the delivery of high-quality visual and multimedia content.

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of campaigns using analytics tools and data insight to inform decision-making.

• Participate in a 24/7 out-of-hours rota to support emergency and urgent communication needs.

• Supervise and mentor junior staff such as apprentices and graduates, contributing to their professional development.

Skills/Experience:

• Extensive experience in communications, media relations, or engagement role within a complex organisation, or relevant qualifications in journalism, marketing, or public relations.

• Strong news judgement with the ability to manage media interest around high-profile or sensitive topics.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication or engagement strategies and campaigns.

• Exceptional writing, editorial and proofreading skills, with the ability to tailor content for different audiences and platforms.

• Confident in managing digital communication tools, content management systems (CMS), media tracking platforms, and social media analytics.

• Practical understanding of HTML and experience in developing or editing accessible and user-focused digital content.

• Ability to use design tools and develop online forms, consultations, and digital campaigns.

• Skilled in interpreting data and insights to enhance customer experience and improve service delivery.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to brief senior managers and deliver public presentations.

• Strong time management and the ability to work flexibly under pressure as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.