Social Media and Design Lead

Hampshire County Council; Abbots Worthy; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority is looking for a Social Media and Design Lead to shape and deliver impactful corporate communications through social media and digital tools. This role involves leading the corporate social media strategy, managing a multidisciplinary team, and overseeing high-impact content creation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing communications within a public sector environment, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to effective engagement. A flexible and inclusive workplace is offered with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Flexible working environment

Interest-free travel loans

Team development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced in high-pressure communications environments, ideally in public sector.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the County Council's social media strategy across platforms.
• Create and oversee high-impact content.
• Monitor reputational risks and respond appropriately.
• Manage and develop a skilled digital and design team.

Skills

Digital communications

Reputation management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Crisis management

Education

Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or Journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

Social media platforms

Analytics tools

Job description

Overview

As a key member of the Communications senior leadership team, the Social Media and Design Lead shapes and delivers impactful corporate communications through organic social media and digital tools. You will lead the County Council's corporate social media strategy and delivery across multiple platforms, creating and overseeing high-impact content, especially during major incidents, and influencing strategic planning. You will manage a multidisciplinary team covering social media, graphic design, web design, photography, and filmmaking, ensuring communications are engaging, effective, and aligned with corporate priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve the County Council's corporate social media strategy and delivery across multiple platforms.
• Monitor reputational risks and respond with tact and political awareness.
• Create and oversee high-impact content, especially during major incidents.
• Influence strategic communications planning and contribute to service-wide priorities - collaborating with colleagues across communications, campaigns and brand to plan, align, and deliver both organic and paid social media activity as part of the forward planning process.
• Manage and develop a skilled digital and design team, ensuring high standards and innovation.
• Report on performance, insights, and emerging trends to senior stakeholders.
• Develop digital communications strategies and ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Create and implement social media protocols and governance policies.
• Maintain audits and security of all corporate social media accounts.
• Champion innovative platforms and techniques to boost reach and engagement, working closely with teams to elevate the quality and impact of content and campaigns.
• Oversee the production of digital assets including video, photography, and design.
• Promote and protect the County Council's corporate identity across all communications.
• Lead recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.
• Ensure accessibility, equality, and statutory compliance in all communications.
• Produce high-quality reports and develop and deliver presentations for senior management.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Qualifications

• Confident and highly experienced digital communications and reputation management professional, qualified to degree level or equivalent in public relations, marketing, communications or journalism.
• Extensive senior-level experience in high-pressure communications environments, ideally within the public sector or local government.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and work programmes - influencing at a senior level, motivating and developing staff through personal conduct and leadership.
• Excellent communication skills and strategic planning abilities, both written and verbal, with a track record of delivering innovative, engaging and effective social media strategies and campaigns that support corporate and directorate objectives, build online audiences and enhance profile.
• Outstanding stakeholder management, providing advice to the highest level of officer and Member, and able to build trusted relationships and handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion.
• Strong political awareness, sound judgement and critical decision making, with the ability to identify emerging issues and mitigate reputational risks.
• Substantial project management and organisational skills, able to prioritise and deliver under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• Flexible and adaptable to respond quickly to meet urgent demands for communications, and in a crisis.
• Significant digital expertise, including digital and social media platforms and tools, complex analytics, accessibility, and legal compliance (GDPR, copyright, libel laws, and ethical communications practice).
• Financial awareness, with experience managing resources and budgets effectively.
• Tech proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Vuelio, social media platforms, analytics and scheduling tools.
• Commitment to the County Council's values and behaviours, promoting best practice across teams.

Benefits and working environment

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch! Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.