Senior Communications Officer
Grade: Officer / Senior Officer level
Service Area: Communications and Engagement
Responsible to: Communications Manager / Head of Communications
Job Purpose
To lead the planning and delivery of communications activity for a defined portfolio of work, translating organisational and communications strategies into effective, audience-focused delivery across multiple channels. The postholder will support the delivery of high-quality communications campaigns, manage media relations activity, and contribute to stakeholder and public engagement across the organisation. The role also involves supporting and guiding junior communications staff to ensure consistent and effective delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications Delivery
* Develop and implement communications plans aligned to organisational priorities and service objectives
* Translate strategic priorities into clear, targeted communications activity and campaigns
* Ensure consistent messaging across internal and external communications channels
Media Relations & Reputation Management
* Prepare and issue press releases and media statements
* Manage day-to-day media enquiries and support reactive communications
* Build and maintain effective relationships with journalists and media outlets
* Support reputational management and crisis communications where required
Campaigns & Content Delivery
* Plan and deliver multi-channel communications campaigns across digital, print, and social media
* Produce high-quality content including news stories, web copy, newsletters, and digital assets
* Ensure communications are audience-focused, accessible, and engaging
Stakeholder & Internal Engagement
* Engage effectively with internal teams, senior leaders, and external stakeholders
* Develop communications materials to support staff engagement and organisational priorities
* Support public-facing engagement activity and consultation exercises
Digital Communications
* Manage and update website content using CMS platforms (e.g. WordPress, Umbraco or equivalent)
* Manage social media channels and grow audience engagement
* Use analytics to evaluate performance and improve communications effectiveness
Team Support & Delivery
* Support and guide junior communications officers in delivery of work
* Contribute to quality assurance of communications outputs
* Assist in prioritising workload across a defined portfolio
Experience Required
* Proven experience delivering communications activity at a senior officer level
* Experience developing and implementing communications plans and campaigns
* Strong background in media relations, including writing press releases and handling media enquiries
* Experience working within a government, local authority, housing, NHS, or other politically sensitive environment
* Experience managing multi-channel communications including digital, social media, and internal communications
Skills & Knowledge
* Strong strategic communications planning ability
* Excellent written communication and content creation skills
* Proven media handling and reputation management capability
* Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills
* Ability to manage multiple priorities within a defined portfolio
* Understanding of digital communications tools and analytics
Personal Attributes
* Politically aware and able to handle sensitive communications appropriately
* Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
* Collaborative team player with ability to support others
* Proactive, creative, and audience-focused approach
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