Senior Communications Officer

Surrey County Council; Reigate; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey County Council is hiring a Senior Communications Officer within its Communications and Engagement team. This role involves developing impactful communications that resonate with the community, utilizing both online and offline channels, alongside the management of various communications tasks. The position offers a salary of £40,296 and benefits like generous leave and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 31 after 5 years

Option to buy additional annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing

Paternity and adoption leave

Local government pension scheme

Lifestyle discounts

2 paid volunteering days per year

Access to learning and development resources

Qualifications

• Experience working in a fast-paced communications environment.
• Ability to adapt messaging for different channels.
• Competence in video production and compelling storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of communications strategies.
• Compile compelling stories using video and written content.
• Adapt communication styles to suit various audiences.

Skills

Communication

Copywriting

Video Production

Creative Thinking

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience in communications

Job description

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Description

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this role is £40,296 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

Do you have a passion for Communications? Have you got a hunger to develop and learn, as well as deliver meaningful comms that has a real impact?

We are hiring a Senior Communications Officer within Surrey County Council's Communications and Engagement and Public Affairs team.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

Our team supports the Communities portfolio of services, including Surrey Arts, culture, heritage, registrations service and 52 libraries. We also support on work with the Voluntary Community Social Enterprise sector, the community engagement and investment teams, such as Your Fund Surrey.

This is an exciting time as communities and delivering hyperlocal communications are at the forefront of delivering a "team around the community" approach to service delivery at Surrey County Council.

About the Role

You will support the planning, implementation and evaluation of communications using the relevant online and offline tools and channels.

A lot of our work involves being out in the community compiling compelling stories through the use of video and written communication - so experience of video and competent copywriting skills is a must. We are a forward-thinking comms team, always looking to try new things and stay at the forefront of modern communications techniques and channels.

We are looking for a creative and proactive individual who will help us make a positive impact, both externally and internally.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Experience of working within a fast-paced communications team, where every day is different
• An ability to work across both internal and external communications and identify and adapt content and messaging for sharing on appropriate channels
• Flexibility to adapt writing styles and techniques to suit different audiences, and to work creatively to develop and design communication campaigns.

As part of the application process you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following application questions:

1. Tell us about a situation where you had to manage multiple communications tasks or priorities under pressure. How did you balance your workload and what was the outcome?
2. Describe a communications campaign you developed for both internal and external audiences. What was the goal, how did you tailor your messaging for each audience and what was the result?
3. Share an example of when you used video and copywriting to tell a compelling story. What were you aiming to achieve, what steps did you take and what was the impact of your work?

Contact details

For any questions relating to the role or for an informal discussion please contact Catherine Jevans by email at [e-mail] .

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15th June 2025 with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values .

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Files to download

• Senior Communications Officer - Job Description (PDF)

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