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Are you an expert in the media - comfortable speaking to journalists, pitching stories, landing coverage and getting vital information to our communities?

We are looking for an experienced External Affairs Manager (maternity cover minimum 6 months with a potential extension which will be discussed at interview) to lead our busy media team.

You’ll be confident advising senior officers and elected Members, skilled at leading teams, and calm under pressure. Whether it’s a proactive press release, broadcast briefing or video content for social media, you’ll have strong news judgement and the skills to go with it. You’ll also have experience managing crises and major news stories.

We are looking for someone who can seek out opportunities for coverage, who is comfortable using the latest social media channels and approaches to reach our audiences, and someone who understands how to communicate "with" not "at" our diverse communities.

You’ll have plenty of experience working in a press office, media team or busy newsroom and will have managed colleagues to plan and execute strategic media work. You’ll be responsible for managing the media forward planner and staying on top of the news agenda locally and nationally.

In Sheffield we stand up for our communities, and there will be a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all that you do.

It’s an exciting time to be joining Sheffield City Council. Join us and tell the stories of our services, this fantastic city and its wonderful residents as part of an award winning team!

For further information about the role or an informal chat please contact: Leona.marshall@sheffield.gov.uk

Closing date: 16 January 2025.

The Council reserves the right to withdraw this advert prior to the published closing date should the number and calibre of applications meet our requirements. Early applications are therefore strongly advised.

We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under‑represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.

Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.

Full‑time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.

Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our New job evaluation process to be introduced at Sheffield City Council | Sheffield City Council