Communications Officer 36.25 Hours per Week £17.25 per Hour Full-Time, Temporary 3 Month Contract Closing Date: Monday 26th May 20235 Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Basildon Borough Council to recruit a Communications Officer on a full-time, temporary basis. About the Role Basildon Borough Council is seeking a dynamic, skilled and versatile Communications Officer to join our dedicated communications team. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in enhancing the Council’s reputation, providing clear and engaging communications principally to external audiences, although there will be a requirement to assist the Senior Internal Communications Officer from time to time when required. Principal Responsibilities Press Officer Duties * Point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses. * Draft and distribute press releases, statements, and briefing notes to promote council initiatives and activities. * Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. * Monitor media coverage and produce regular reports on public and media sentiment. * Prepare and support spokespeople such as the Chief Executive, The Leader and members of the Cabinet, including providing briefing materials and advice for interviews. Social Media channels * Social media posts, ensuring they reflect the organisation’s values and priorities. * Plan, create, and schedule engaging and relevant content across all platforms, including text, images, and video. * Respond to comments, messages, and queries in a timely and professional manner. * Monitor social media trends and analytics to measure engagement and identify opportunities for improvement. * Work collaboratively with other teams to ensure alignment of social media messaging with broader council initiatives. Essential Skills and Experience * Proven experience in communications, press relations, or a related field, ideally within a public sector organisation. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and channels. * Strong knowledge of social media platforms, trends, and best practices. * Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. * Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders. * Proficiency in using communication tools, including content management systems, Microsoft 365, email marketing platforms, and social media scheduling software. * Creative flair and attention to detail, with the ability to produce high-quality content. Copywriting and editing. Desirable Skills * Experience in crisis communications and media management. * An understanding of, and experience in, a fast-moving political environment either in central government or local government. * Knowledge of the local government landscape and issues relevant to Basildon Borough. * Familiarity with graphic design tools, such as Creative Cloud. * Experience in video production and editing. What We Offer * A supportive and collaborative work environment. * Opportunities for professional development and training. * Flexible working arrangements. * The chance to make a tangible impact in the community of Basildon. If you are a proactive and creative communicator with a passion for public service, we want to hear from you. Join us in making a difference for Basildon Borough and its residents