Communications Officer - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council; Basildon; Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Communications Officer to enhance the Council’s reputation through effective communications. The role involves managing media inquiries, creating social media content, and collaborating with various teams. This is a full-time, temporary position for a dynamic communicator passionate about public service.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in communications or press relations, ideally in public sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and trends.

Responsibilities

• Point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring timely responses.
• Draft and distribute press releases and statements.
• Plan and create engaging content for social media platforms.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Tools

Microsoft 365

Content Management Systems

Social Media Scheduling Software

Job description

Communications Officer

36.25 Hours per Week

£17.25 per Hour

Full-Time, Temporary

3 Month Contract

Closing Date:Monday 26th May 20235

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Basildon Borough Council to recruit a Communications Officer on a full-time, temporary basis.

About the Role

Basildon Borough Council is seeking a dynamic, skilled and versatile Communications Officer to join our dedicated communications team. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in enhancing the Council’s reputation, providing clear and engaging communications principally to external audiences, although there will be a requirement to assist the Senior Internal Communications Officer from time to time when required.

Principal Responsibilities

Press Officer Duties

• Point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, and briefing notes to promote council initiatives and activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and produce regular reports on public and media sentiment.
• Prepare and support spokespeople such as the Chief Executive, The Leader and members of the Cabinet, including providing briefing materials and advice for interviews.

Social Media channels

• Social media posts, ensuring they reflect the organisation’s values and priorities.
• Plan, create, and schedule engaging and relevant content across all platforms, including text, images, and video.
• Respond to comments, messages, and queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Monitor social media trends and analytics to measure engagement and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with other teams to ensure alignment of social media messaging with broader council initiatives.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in communications, press relations, or a related field, ideally within a public sector organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and channels.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, trends, and best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using communication tools, including content management systems, Microsoft 365, email marketing platforms, and social media scheduling software.
• Creative flair and attention to detail, with the ability to produce high-quality content. Copywriting and editing.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in crisis communications and media management.
• An understanding of, and experience in, a fast-moving political environment either in central government or local government.
• Knowledge of the local government landscape and issues relevant to Basildon Borough.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools, such as Creative Cloud.
• Experience in video production and editing.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• The chance to make a tangible impact in the community of Basildon.

If you are a proactive and creative communicator with a passion for public service, we want to hear from you. Join us in making a difference for Basildon Borough and its residents.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail] OR [e-mail]

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