Senior Communications Officer

The Bloomsbury Group; United States; Hybrid; USD 131,252,000 - 145,836,000; Part time

Job summary

The Bloomsbury Group is seeking a Senior Communications Officer for a temporary hybrid role in Harrow. The post emphasizes strategic communications, media relations and digital content.

You will develop campaigns, manage media enquiries, produce press releases and advise senior officers and elected Members on reputational risk and stakeholder engagement. The role requires flexibility, weekend coverage and travel within the borough as needed, with umbrella contracting and a pay rate of £36 per

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior communications role.
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating campaigns.
• Strong media relations experience handling reactive and sensitive enquiries.
• Excellent writing, storytelling, editing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver and evaluate integrated communications campaigns.
• Advise senior officers, elected Members and external partners on strategic communications.
• Manage media enquiries and develop relationships with journalists.
• Produce press releases, news stories, reports and promotional materials.
• Coordinate design, photography, video and print production.

Job description

Senior Communications Officer

Location: Harrow / Hybrid Pay rate: £36 per hour umbrella Contract: Temporary Working pattern: Hybrid - a mixture of home working, Council offices and client premises Directorate: Resources Division: Strategy and Partnerships

Key responsibilities

Develop, deliver and evaluate integrated communications and engagement campaigns. Provide strategic communications advice to senior officers, elected Members and external partners. Manage media enquiries and develop positive relationships with journalists. Advise on reputational risks, media handling, public affairs and sensitive communications issues. Produce press releases, news stories, case studies, speeches, reports and promotional materials. Manage and create content for social media and other digital communications channels. Contribute to internal and external publications, including newsletters, magazines, websites and intranet content. Identify positive stories about Council services, staff and community impact. Support and lead consultation and resident-engagement activity. Brief and support senior officers and Members for press and broadcast interviews. Coordinate design, photography, video and print production. Monitor and evaluate communications, social media and campaign performance. Support internal communications and staff engagement. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on joint communications projects. Participate in the out-of-hours press office rota, including weekend and emergency communications cover. Attend meetings, events, press conferences and interviews as required.

The successful candidate

You will have: Proven experience working in a senior communications role. Experience developing, implementing and evaluating communications campaigns. Strong media relations experience, including handling reactive and sensitive enquiries. Experience creating engaging content for press releases, publications, websites, social media and internal communications. Experience working with senior managers, elected Members and external stakeholders. Excellent writing, storytelling, editing and communication skills. Experience managing social media channels and digital content. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines. The ability to identify reputational risks and provide clear advice and recommendations. Experience handling confidential and sensitive information. Strong ICT skills and the ability to analyse and present information clearly. Flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required. A degree or equivalent relevant professional experience. Experience of working within local government or another complex political or public‑sector environment would be advantageous. The role involves travel around the borough and between Council offices, as well as participation in out-of-hours media duties, including weekend cover and Member-level meetings.