Strategic Communications Lead – Devolution & Mayor's Voice

West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

28 days annual leave

Free bus/rail travel across West Yorks

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional development & 3 volunteer

Volunteering days

Job summary

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager to lead our strategic communications function and amplify the Mayoral voice. You will work with colleagues to deliver our communications strategy, ensuring the devolution agenda is effectively conveyed across national media and digital platforms.

The role requires a degree or equivalent experience, strong media relations, crisis management skills, and line management of a team.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in industry experience.
• Detailed understanding of media, communications, politics and current affairs.
• Experience leading and developing colleagues to deliver proactive and reactive strategic communications, including crisis management.
• Track record of developing, delivering and evaluating strategic proactive media strategies and campaigns.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with journalists, leaders and politicians.

Responsibilities

• Be the Strategic Communications lead at the Combined Authority, driving horizon scanning, management of the grid and innovative thinking to maximise opportunities to tell our story and show the benefits of devolution.
• Lead the Mayoral Voice in Combined Authority Communications and work with teams to ensure value and cut through.
• Brief the Mayor ahead of media engagements, accompany her for interviews, events and visits, draft op-eds and ensure messages cut across social media content.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communication

Crisis management

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager to lead our strategic communications function and amplify the Mayoral voice. You will work with colleagues to deliver our communications strategy, ensuring the devolution agenda is effectively conveyed across national media and digital platforms.

The role requires a degree or equivalent experience, strong media relations, crisis management skills, and line management of a team.