* Full time
* Hybrid (2 days working near central London)
* Six month initial contract, extendable
* £42-£45K per annum depending on experience
* Inside IR35 working through Westco
* Apply by COP May 1st 2024.
One of our clients, a dynamic local authority in London, is looking for a talented communications professional to join their team and help them effectively communicate their initiatives, engage residents, and drive positive change in the borough.
The Communications Team is at the centre of the Council and has a high impact on the services and audiences it serves. It provides strategic leadership on media relations, public relation, event management, community engagement, publications, social media management and monitoring, branding, design and the councils websites. It is also responsible for the operational oversight, delivery and coordination of all communications activity across the wider council.
As the Chief Press Officer News and Reputation Management, you will be responsible for protecting and promoting the reputation of the borough and its projects, policies, and services. You will lead, alongside the Head of Communications, on managing reputational risk, crisis communications, media training for cabinet members, maintaining a helicopter view across the organisation of areas of risk and initiatives to enhance the council's reputation.
Requirements
* Communications Account Manager for Directorate Portfolios and providing senior Cabinet level support,
* Developing and implementing media relations strategies to enhance the organisation's reputation and visibility.
* Serving as a spokesperson for the organisation, handling inquiries from journalists and managing media interviews.
* Crafting press releases, statements, and other communications materials to convey key messages and announcements.
* Building and maintaining relationships with members of the media to secure positive coverage and manage potential crises.
* Monitoring media coverage and analysing public sentiment to inform future communication strategies.
* Collaborating with comms SMT including marketing, publication and campaigns to ensure consistency in messaging.
* Providing media training to key members to effectively communicate with the press.
* Managing a senior press officer to execute media relations activities effectively.
* Stay informed about relevant issues, trends, and developments in local government, PR, and communications, and apply insights to enhance our approach.
Benefits
Westco is a marketing agency with a vast range of services from creative to programmatic advertising and campaign planning. We are driven by a strong mission to be The Agency for Social Good and as part of the Westco family, you will have access to a wealth of expertise.
* Access to all Westco Academy courses for FREE
* Healthcare Cash Plan offering a wide range of health support (chiropractors, dentists, private GP etc) - via BUPA
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* Display Screen – eyesight test via HR-Path
* Retirement Savings Plan
* Season Ticket Loan
* Cycle to Work Scheme for up to £2k (with Evans Cycles)
* Volunteering days for a charity of your choice (up 16h per annum)
* Staff socials
* Access to senior colleagues for best practices and a wide range of communications and campaign templates