Programme Communications Officer

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Programme Communications Officer for a fixed-term position to enhance digital accessibility across Essex. This role involves developing strategic communications, engaging stakeholders, and managing content across various platforms. The successful candidate will work closely with partners to deliver initiatives aimed at improving broadband connectivity and digital skills across the county.

Qualifications

• Educated to diploma/degree level or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development in communications and marketing.
• Proven experience in social media and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic documents and presentations related to digital initiatives.
• Manage content for social media, newsletters, and websites.
• Engage with stakeholders and represent Digital Essex at events.

Skills

Written communication

In-person communication

Social media management

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Education

Diploma/degree or equivalent by experience

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Programme Communications Officer

Fixed Term, Full Time

£28,778 to £33,856 per annum

Location: Countywide

Closing Date: 25th June 2025

Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity until March 2026

This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford 2-3 days per month, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation's needs.

The Role

Digital Essex is an initiative run by Essex County Council, aimed at ensuring no individual or business is excluded from digital opportunities due to lack of high-speed and affordable broadband connections, equipment, or skills. We work with government departments, other Essex councils, public sector organisations, and private sector partners to expand digital connectivity and inclusion across the Greater Essex area.

The Opportunity

As part of the Digital Essex team, reporting to the Communications Manager, the Programme Communications Officer will be responsible for producing and delivering communications related to our digital initiatives. This role involves engaging with key internal and external stakeholders, partners, and the public through various channels, including strategic documents, presentations, social media, newsletters, the programme's website, and press releases. The role also includes participation in face-to-face presentations and engagement events.

Accountabilities

• Working alongside the Communications Manager to develop strategic documents and presentations, effectively communicating the value of our initiatives.
• Create and manage content for social media, newsletters, websites, and other communication channels, ensuring alignment with our digital strategy and brand guidelines.
• Engage and interact with stakeholders, communicating the value of our initiatives and fostering strong relationships.
• Develop and manage marketing campaigns and social media strategies, with a focus on paid advertising on LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Manage and respond to customer enquiries from members of the public and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Regular travel across Essex to attend and represent Digital Essex at various events, to interact face-to-face with members of the public and stakeholders. This will include some evening and weekend engagements.
• Assist with governance activities such as project meetings, programme boards, and steering boards. Undertake routine administrative tasks to support the programme's governance and operations.
• Perform other ad hoc tasks related to communications, engagement, and project management as required to support the overall objectives of Digital Essex.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to diploma/degree level or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional areas, particularly in communications and marketing.
• Advanced skills in written and in-person communication. Confident in engaging with a broad variety of stakeholders at different levels via a range of channels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at an intermediate level. An understanding of other relevant software applications such as image or video editing or mapping software is beneficial.
• Competent user of social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook) and scheduling platforms (e.g. Hootsuite). Experience in social media and website analytics.
• Experience of working with brand guidelines when creating communications materials. Ability to work creatively and effectively, managing a range of complex situations and issues; highly organised with good attention to detail.
• Proven experience in creating and managing paid advertising campaigns on LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Ability to travel across Essex to engage with stakeholders and attend events, including some evening and weekend work.
• Understands how to plan events, including engaging stakeholders, organising venues, and liaising with attendees on the day.
• Familiarity with project management principles and practices, with the ability to support project activities and governance.
• Previous experience working with community groups, voluntary organisations, or in public sector roles, enhancing stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts is desirable.