Communications Officer

1 year contract with an East London based Local Authority

Job Summary:

To support the delivery of an integrated corporate communications strategy which is widely owned ambitious and secures demonstrable and measurable improvements in the way the council communicates both internally and externally.

To manage directorate communications devising and implementing strategies campaigns consultations (internal and external) in support of the corporate communications strategy the corporate priorities and those set out by the Director of Communications and Marketing and the Head of External Communications.

To manage the council s relationships with the press and media and contribute to the promotion and protection of the Council s reputation.

To ensure that all resources are effectively deployed in pursuit of the goals and objectives set out in the council s corporate communications strategy.

To use build and enhance systems and processes for monitoring and evaluating media and other communications work.

Key Duties/Accountabilities:

Communications role to support public realm directorate.

Support execution and delivery of communications plans on recycling and waste improvement (although general support on wider public realm topics will also be part of role).

Developing external and internal content across channels including press releases social media newsletters consultations and media responses.

Horizon scan monitor and provide proactive and reactive communication responses and advice.

Brief senior officers the chief executive the mayor and members including support senior officers and members at photo opportunities generated by the communications team. Support maintaining an effective planning grid.

Manage press and media enquiries related to portfolio.

To contribute to and help deliver the council s corporate communications strategy based on the council s priorities.

To proactively develop and manage the council s reputation in a way which positively enhances public perception of the council s brand and ensures that directorate and corporate successes are identified and celebrated.

To build positive relationships with journalists bloggers council officers and others to plan stories secure positive coverage and reduce reputational damage.

To manage and be responsible for the council s integrated communications work (including media marketing and publications strategic planning internal communications public affairs consultation/engagement and campaigns) to ensure that it is positive honest timely accurate and represents the council s best interest at all times.

To work with service managers and communication colleagues to secure positive coverage in the national local regional BME and trade media.

To maintain in liaison with directorate managers corporate communications standards across the authority actively monitoring these and taking appropriate action as required including drafting press releases.

To devise and implement mechanisms for improving and delivering integrated communications between the council and its customers within the council s corporate standards and framework.

To support internal communications ensuring that corporate standards are met and all staff receive regular and appropriate communication about the council the directorate and their service and have the chance to contribute their comments and ideas.

To support the production of corporate publications by writing and editing copy.

To ensure consistency between internal and external communications council and directorate work the work of the Tower Hamlets Partnership and other partners.

To advise directorates on the sequencing of using the web and intranet as appropriate to achieve directorate/service area objectives.

Essential Experience Required:

Strong photography and film making (iPhone) skills including editing content for channels.

Delivery of campaigns including a model of delivery research and evaluation methods.

Media expert Experience of creating and selling in stories providing sound media advice and support including interview briefs.

Excellent writing skills and styles that can be varied for different platforms and audiences

Experience of creating great storytelling content including film and photos.

Experience of managing multiple social media channels to create a positive reputation and using metrics to reach the biggest audiences.

Experience of monitoring media coverage alerting services and producing reports and tactics to respond.

Experience of planning communications work months in advance and monitor projects including metrics.

Experience of delivering consultations and events.

Additional information to note:

Willingness to work outside of contracted hours in the evenings and weekends subject to notice.

To comply with the requirements relating to political restrictions for this role.

Ability to go out around borough to get content for channels (at photo opportunities for example).

At least 3 days officebased working.

Service: External Communications.

Responsible To: Senior Communications Officer.

The closing date for this position is Friday 02/08/2024.