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.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk OR EssexSharedServices@essex.gov.uk
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