Communications Officer (Graduate Intern)

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Portfolio development

Mentoring

Public sector experience

Job summary

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is offering two paid internships in public relations and communications for 12 months. You will work in the busy Communications Team, handling media enquiries, drafting press releases, and managing social media channels.

You’ll support campaigns from climate to healthy lifestyles and interact with diverse audiences. Successful graduates gain a strong portfolio and PT/PR experience in a real political environment, with a fixed closing date and assessment

Qualifications

• Graduate with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to craft clear press releases and social content.
• Keen interest in politics and public communications.

Responsibilities

• Answer journalist enquiries and issue press statements.
• Develop campaigns to promote council issues across channels.
• Collaborate with the Mayor to promote engagements.

Skills

Written communication

Social media

Public relations

Journalist liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Are you a university graduate who loves writing, knows your way around social media and is creative and curious?

If so, a career in public relations and communications could be for you.

We are offering two paid internships for a 12-month period that will train you in all aspects of a career in PR and comms.

You will have the chance to work in our busy Communications Team, taking calls from journalists, responding to enquiries, writing and issuing press releases and statements; as well as using the Council's social media channels.

As part of the role, you will also be taking on campaigns to promote Council issues through traditional and digital channels; this could be anything from climate change and community clean-ups to initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles. You will also work closely with the Mayor of Solihull to promote their engagements.

As a graduate this is a fantastic opportunity to take the first step in your career in a complex and varied workplace. At the end of your contract, you will leave with a great portfolio to help gain permanent employment.

If you are interested in working in a political environment for a democratically accountable organisation and want to build a career in communications, then this is the opportunity for you. These internships are politically restricted posts.

You will have:

• A strong academic background coupled with bags of common sense.
• Great written and spoken communication skills with the ability to interact and engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
• An enquiring mind, with enthusiasm and a real willingness to learn and develop throughout the internship.

Our closing date for completed applications is Tuesday 17 November 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to undertake a psychometric test as part of the selection process.

Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment centre on Tuesday 8 December 2026.

The date for our assessment day is fixed, due to seeing multiple applicants. We therefore unfortunately cannot accept applications from candidates who are unable to attend on this day.

If you have a specific question or require further information regarding this post, please email [e-mail]

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and a commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Attached documents
Comms Intern 2025_26 JDPS FINAL.docx