Strategic Communications Business Ptr

Gloucestershire County Council; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Gloucester is seeking a Strategic Communications Business Partner to guide impactful communication strategies. The ideal candidate will have experience in strategic communications, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to manage sensitive issues effectively. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements, with a focus on creating clear and engaging messages for diverse audiences.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

30.5 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic communications and leading teams.
• Confidence managing complex projects and building relationships.
• Ability to navigate sensitive issues with care.

Responsibilities

• Lead communication strategies that connect with various stakeholders.
• Craft messages that drive change across internal and external channels.
• Collaborate with senior leaders on impactful communication.

Skills

Strategic communications

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Political awareness

Creative problem-solving

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Strategic Communications Business Partner

Job Location: Shire Hall, Block 2, 2nd Floor, Gloucestershire County

Salary: £58,598 - £61,854 per annum

Hours per Week: 37.00

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 07/12/2025

Job Requisition Number: 12807

About The Team

We’re the team that helps everyone understand what’s happening and feel connected. Our job is to make messages clear, engaging, and meaningful—whether it’s a big campaign or an internal update. Every project is different, and every one makes an impact.

About The Role

As a Strategic Communications Business Partner, you’ll be a trusted advisor to senior leaders. You’ll lead bold communication strategies that connect with staff, residents, and key stakeholders. Working with directors and partners, you’ll craft messages that influence, inspire, and drive change across internal, external, and digital channels.

About You

You’ll know how to make a real impact. With experience in strategic communications and leading teams, you’re confident managing complex projects and building strong relationships at all levels. You’re creative, solution-focused, and understand how to handle sensitive issues with care.

Your high political awareness means you can navigate complex situations and work effectively with senior leaders and stakeholders. Your communication skills ensure every message is clear and hits the mark. A relevant degree or equivalent experience gives you the foundation to deliver at pace and to a high standard.

Special Notes

This is a politically restricted post. Out-of-hours comms rota participation required.

About Us

• Flexible and agile working opportunities
• 30.5 days annual leave
• An option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
• Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
• Career development and qualification opportunities
• Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
• An in-house Occupational Health service
• Employee discount scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&Cs apply)
• Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network.

How to apply

If you feel you have the skills, desire and experience required to make a positive difference then please submit your application and personal statement today by clicking the “Apply Now” button.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Adam Barnes via email at [e-mail].

Closing date: 7th December 2025. Short‑listed candidates will be contacted by e‑mail and invited to interview week commencing 14th December 2025.

Additional Information

To access the Job Profile for this role, please follow the link below.

Strategic Communications Business Partner - Job Profile.

Gloucestershire County Council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.

Legal Notice

Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.

It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.