Communications Officer

ADASS; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

ADASS is looking for an ambitious media professional to join their dynamic communications team. This role focuses on engaging with the public and media on pressing social care issues, requiring excellent communication skills and political sensitivity. The ideal candidate will thrive in a remote working environment with occasional meetings in London. The position includes a competitive salary of £43,000 per annum, and successful candidates will contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a press office or journalism role.
• Experience in developing communications and influencing plans.
• Excellent political nous and understanding of equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead media work and contribute to all communication strategies.
• Build awareness and engage with various audiences on social care issues.
• Manage reputation and respond to media inquiries.

Skills

Political sensitivity

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

People skills

Proactivity

Job description

About the job:

Are you an ambitious media professional with a passion for communicating with the public and media about our most pressing public policy issues? Are you skilled at explaining sometimes technical information in a simple and engaging way? Can you engage positively and win favour with journalists and colleagues? If so, please read on to find out more about an exciting role that will allow the right person to make a real difference.

The organisation:

We are ADASS - the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in England. We are a membership charity aiming to further the interests of people in need of care and support by promoting high standards of social care services and influencing the development of social care legislation and policy. Our membership is drawn from serving Directors of adult social care employed by every local authority in England, their direct reports, principal social workers and past officers (our Associates).

Our small but mighty staff team works largely remotely but has access to hot desks in Westminster. We meet monthly in person, and you may office work as frequently as you wish. There is a need to commit to being present at key national events (travel within England required) and to work to key deadlines some of which might not be within standard working hours.

ADASS has a positive approach to achieving a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups especially those with protected characteristics.

The opportunity:

As a key part of a growing communications and public affairs team, you’ll lead our media work whilst also contributing to the full range of internal and external communications, including membership communications, our website and social media channels, and events. The ADASS team is lively, mutually supportive and highly performing in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll build awareness and support for ADASS and its key messages including the need to transform social care in England with our target audiences:

• policy makers who take decisions about social care
• people who need care and support, their family and friends
• our members, plus those who provide care and support – both paid staff and informal carers
• the general public, who may need social care in the future
• the wider adult social care sector made up of other charities, providers and campaign groups.

Experience required:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a busy press office or similar or related role like a journalist
• Experience developing communications and influencing plans with a focus on audience
• Experience identifying/developing case studies and storytelling
• Experience managing reputation including in a crisis
• Political sensitivity and neutrality, while having excellent political nous
• An understanding of and commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Proactivity - able to work autonomously as a self-starter who is able to spot opportunities, come up with creative approaches and make recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Confident and resilient with excellent people skills

If you are an ambitious media operator with a passion for explain public policy issues like social care to a range of audiences, and impatient to make a difference, we look forward to receiving your application.

Benefits and location:

• Reports to: Director of Communications and Public Affairs
• Salary: £43,000 per annum
• Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time)
• Location: Hybrid: Mostly remote with meetings at Westminster or Camden in London. Hot desks available in London.
• Contract duration: Permanent following successful probation period (secondments considered)

Apply now:

Ready to pursue your potential? To apply, please email your CV (no more than two A4 sides) and a letter outlining your skills and experience relating directly to the job description (no more than two A4 sides) to: [e-mail]

Please note, we will review applications on an ongoing basis, with a closing date for all applications of Thursday 31 July, 2025. Interviews are planned to take place on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August.

Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks.

For more information:

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