Strategic Communications & Engagement Officer

Edinburgh International; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Edinburgh Council is seeking a Communications Engagement and Participation Officer to develop and deliver internal and external communications for Partnership strategies, plans and projects. You will promote the Partnership’s brand, handle media enquiries, and drive public participation to influence service delivery.

The role requires coordinating with NHS and Council partners, delivering training, managing websites and social media, and ensuring accessibility and legislative compliance

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant area (e.g. Media, Communication and Design, Communications, Marketing, Business Studies).
• CIM or CIPR qualified or equivalent, or masters-level modules in a Communications-related subject.
• Experience in health and social care services is an advantage to understand service issues and resolution.
• Knowledge of data analysis and information.
• Experience reporting and compiling presentations.
• Experience working with senior managers to develop communications materials and activities.
• Experience managing public engagement and participation with communities.

Responsibilities

• Support development of communications, engagement and participation plans aligned with Partnership strategies and objectives.
• Support delivery of strategic comms and public participation activities for the Partnership and NHS/Council.
• Initiate and deliver communications and engagement activities with managers and professional leads.
• Provide expertise to help colleagues develop and deliver activities.
• Design, manage and run events and meetings with venue setup, materials, facilitation and feedback collection.
• Ensure accessibility and compliance of tools and processes with legislation.
• Feed inputs from events to managers to shape proposals.
• Coordinate with NHS/Council teams to align messaging and provide mutual support for public participation.
• Develop training and advice on communications policies, tools and techniques.
• Lead website and social media content creation and publishing.
• Promote the Partnership brand through templates and styles.
• Support campaigns on major projects for the Partnership, NHS and Council.
• Draft responses to media enquiries while maintaining confidentiality and the Partnership’s position.
• Escalate complex or politically sensitive media enquiries to the Team Leader.
• Support public participants in Partnership meetings and groups to fulfil their roles.
• Collaborate with Community Planning partners to involve communities and share insights.

Skills

Strong communications

Public engagement

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Training delivery

Website & social media management

Education

Degree in a relevant area

CIM or CIPR qualification or equivalent

Job description

City of Edinburgh Council is seeking a Communications Engagement and Participation Officer to develop and deliver internal and external communications for Partnership strategies, plans and projects. You will promote the Partnership’s brand, handle media enquiries, and drive public participation to influence service delivery.

The role requires coordinating with NHS and Council partners, delivering training, managing websites and social media, and ensuring accessibility and legislative compliance