Internal and External Communications & PR Specialist

Schools’ Choice; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Public sector experience

Job summary

Schools’ Choice is seeking an Internal and External Communications & PR Specialist on a six-month fixed-term contract. Hybrid working with up to two days in the office, you will lead internal comms, manage external PR, and help strengthen the council’s reputation among residents, partners, and staff.

You will plan campaigns, produce high-quality content, handle media enquiries, and keep staff informed and engaged with the council’s priorities and services.

Qualifications

• Experience in a communications, public relations or media relations role.
• Proven ability to produce content for internal and external audiences.
• Experience managing media enquiries and developing media relationships.
• Strong copywriting, editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience delivering campaigns across multiple channels.
• Understanding of digital communications and social media management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver internal communications plans to inform and engage employees.
• Create content for staff newsletters, intranet, leadership messages and campaigns.
• Manage media enquiries and build relationships with local and regional media.
• Develop external communications campaigns aligned to council priorities.
• Produce digital content for websites, social media and email channels.
• Monitor communications performance and report on outcomes.

Job description

Internal and External Communications & PR Specialist

Salary: £35,570 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Hybrid Working (Maximum of 2 days per week in the office)

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and proactive Internal and External Communications & PR Specialist to join our Communications Team on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to support the council's communications objectives by delivering engaging internal communications, managing external public relations activity, and helping to strengthen the authority's reputation among residents, partners, stakeholders and employees. The successful candidate will play a key role in planning and delivering communications campaigns, producing high-quality content, managing media enquiries, and ensuring staff and stakeholders are informed, engaged and connected to the council's priorities and services.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Communications

• Develop and deliver internal communications plans that inform, engage and inspire employees.
• Create compelling content for staff newsletters, intranet platforms, leadership messages and internal campaigns.
• Support organisational change programmes through clear and effective communication.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives and celebrate organisational achievements.
• Work with services across the council to ensure consistent messaging and timely communication.

External Communications and PR

• Develop and implement communications and PR campaigns aligned to council priorities.
• Draft press releases, statements, briefing notes, speeches and other external communications materials.
• Manage media enquiries and cultivate positive relationships with local, regional and sector media outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and provide advice on reputational issues and emerging risks.
• Support the promotion of council services, projects and events through a range of communication channels.
• Assist with crisis and reactive communications when required.

Digital Content and Stakeholder Engagement

• Produce engaging content for digital channels, including websites, social media and email communications.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, accessible and compliant with relevant legislation and council standards.
• Build positive working relationships with elected members, senior leaders, community organisations and key partners.
• Monitor communications performance and provide reports on campaign outcomes and media activity.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in a communications, public relations or media relations role.
• Demonstrable experience producing content for both internal and external audiences.
• Experience managing media enquiries and developing positive media relationships.
• Strong copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills.
• Experience delivering communications campaigns across multiple channels.
• Understanding of digital communications and social media management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.

Essential Skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging content.
• Sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Desirable

• Experience working within local government, the public sector or a similarly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communications.
• Experience supporting change communications or employee engagement initiatives.

Working Arrangements

This role offers flexible hybrid working, with a maximum requirement of two days per week in the office and the remainder worked remotely, subject to business needs.

What We Offer

• Salary of £35,570 per annum.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful public sector work that positively impacts local communities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Valuable experience within a dynamic local authority communications team.