External Communications Advisor
Fixed Term / Secondment (12 months), Full Time
£36,443 to £42,873 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style:
Closing Date: 23:59, 14th December 2025
Expected Interview Date: 22nd December 2025
*This is a hybrid working role, with attendance in the Chelmsford office expected to be 1-2 days per week on average, depending on business need.
Please note this role will be offered on a 12 month fixed-term contract or secondment basis. This vacancy is to provide cover while a team member undertakes a secondment from 1st February 2026, so you must be available to start before this date (subject to completion of pre-employment vetting checks).
We are looking for a candidate with media relations experience and excellent writing skills, capable of managing a busy press office function. You will play a key role in delivering proactive and reactive communications, handling high-profile issues, and identifying opportunities to promote the council’s achievements. This role is central to protecting and enhancing the council’s reputation while ensuring residents are informed, inspired, and engaged.
You will need to be an experienced writer who can craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple channels. An understanding of the changing political landscape, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution, and how these developments impact local authorities, is desirable.
The role requires someone adaptable and confident in a fast-paced environment that demands real-time communications. Strong organisational skills, knowledge of the media landscape and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.
Accountabilities
Work closely with the media and be responsible for jointly managing the council’s press office function. Responsible for offering guidance on which inbound media opportunities to pursue and which to decline, in order to make better use of resource.
Responsible for the delivery of proactive and reactive external communications, strategies and campaigns.
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Responsible for mentoring and media training council members and senior leaders who are spokespeople for the organisation.
Support the council’s crisis communications response and managing reputational issues.
Produce on and offline content including press releases, reactive statements, news articles, videos, and stakeholder communications and briefings.
Work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners in support of key outcomes.
Support delivery of the public affairs strategy.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across Communications and Marketing, sharing knowledge, insights and best practice.
Work collaboratively with stakeholders on a consultative basis, promoting the corporate marketing and communications function as a centre of excellence.
Be part of an on-call out of hours press desk rota.
Skills, knowledge and experience
Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience.
Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.
Experience of working in a media focused role either in a public sector organisation or as a media representative (preferred).
Experience of delivering communications during a crisis or on a reputational issue.
Strong news judgment and pitching skills. Good knowledge of online news and the changing media landscape.
Excellent writing and communication skills with experience of communications planning and producing accessible content.
Experience of working on communications campaigns. Experience of working in a political or public sector environment is desirable.
Experience of multidisciplinary and cross-functional working.
Experience in a Communications and Marketing advisory/consultancy role is desirable.
Ability to effectively communicate strategy is desirable.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.