Communications Officer

WEST OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL; Witney; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental body in Witney is seeking a Communications Officer for maternity cover. The successful candidate will work closely with the Communications Manager to deliver engaging communications that support local residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Responsibilities include managing campaigns and providing communications advice. Ideal candidates should possess a degree in related fields and experience in communications. The position offers hybrid working and numerous benefits, including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Agile working with home and office mix

Flexible working arrangements

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Health cash plan

Generous local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car lease scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a communications, marketing, or other related role.
• Up-to-date understanding of effective communications techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative, self-starter with ownership abilities.
• Ability to influence and inspire colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clear and effective communications.
• Support planning and delivery of communications activities.
• Take hands-on role in delivering campaigns and media activity.
• Provide expert advice to councillors and officers.
• Work to agreed priorities and deadlines.

Skills

Communication skills

Digital marketing

Campaign management

Creative writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in communications, marketing, or related subject

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity for a Communications Officer covering maternity leave. The Communications team will work closely with the Communications Manager, communications colleagues and teams across the council to deliver clear, engaging and effective communications that support local residents, businesses, stakeholders and communities across West Oxfordshire.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clear, engaging and effective communications that support local residents, businesses, stakeholders and communities across West Oxfordshire.


• Support the planning and delivery of both internal and external communications activity across a wide range of council services.


• Take a hands‑on role in delivering campaigns, media activity, digital and social content, and internal communications.


• Provide expert communications advice and support to councillors and officers, helping to deliver a modern and effective communications service.


• Work to agreed priorities and deadlines, contributing to protecting and enhancing the council’s reputation.

Qualifications

• Experience in a communications, marketing or other related role with the required skillsets.


• Demonstrable up‑to‑date understanding and experience of effective communications techniques and practices across a wide range of channels including digital, print, out‑of‑house, etc.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce copy for a wide variety of audiences and communicate complex information.


• Creative, self‑starter with the confidence and ability to take ownership and responsibility for work.


• Ability to influence and inspire colleagues to successfully deliver high‑quality communications and marketing.


• A degree in communications, marketing, public relations or a related subject, and preferably at least two years’ experience in a communications, marketing or related role.

Special Conditions

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.


• This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

Benefits

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.


• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).


• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years’ service and 33 days following 10 years’ continuous service.


• Two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice.


• Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.


• Generous contributory local government pension scheme.


• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7) providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling.


• Cycle to work scheme.


• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.


• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.

Working Pattern

The post is offered on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract for maternity cover, or until the postholder returns – whichever is sooner. The working pattern is Monday to Friday, with hybrid (home and office) working.

Inclusion & Safeguarding

Accredited under the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre‑employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.