We're looking for an experienced, forward‑thinking Communications Business Partner – PR and Media Strategy to join our Communications team at a pivotal moment. This senior, high‑profile role sits at the heart of the council’s strategic direction, helping us communicate clearly, confidently and transparently with residents, partners and colleagues. As one of our senior communication leaders, you will design and deliver integrated communications that support our Strategic Framework and CARE values: Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful and Excellent. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and elected members, provide expert guidance on complex and sensitive matters, and help shape the organisation’s narrative through high‑quality, insight‑led communication. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced media environment, balancing proactive and reactive storytelling in response to media issues.
Key Highlights
* Influence the strategic direction of a large, high‑profile council.
* Lead communications that genuinely improve outcomes for residents.
* Shape a modern, digital‑first approach to engagement and public service.
* Be part of a supportive, ambitious team that values innovation, learning and professional growth.
Responsibilities
* Lead our media approach and media team, balancing proactive storytelling with rapid response to emerging issues.
* Deliver forward planning and oversee real‑time media handling.
* Oversee reputation management, provide strategic advice during crises and contribute to our 24/7 out‑of‑hours rota.
* Develop and deliver cross‑council communication, media and digital strategies aligned to corporate outcomes.
* Act as a strategic advisor to senior officers and elected members, ensuring communications support effective decision‑making and democratic transparency.
* Conduct horizon scanning to protect the council’s interests and strengthen relationships with partners and government.
* Support local democracy by communicating committee policy decisions.
* Mentor and develop colleagues to create a high‑performing, innovative communications function.
* Drive creative thinking, professional standards and communication excellence across the organisation.
* Provide line management and lead the business unit delivering against a forward communications plan.
Qualifications
* Extensive experience delivering strategic communications in a complex organisational environment.
* A proven track record in media handling, crisis response and reputation management.
* Expertise in strategic planning across digital, media, campaigns and internal communications.
* Strong political awareness and the ability to advise senior stakeholders with credibility.
* Excellent writing, editing and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complexity for diverse audiences.
* Experience leading high‑performing teams and encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
* Strong financial and project management skills.
* A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to supporting our ambition to become a Net Zero organisation by 2030.
* Relevant degree‑level study is essential; CIPR/CIM or postgraduate qualifications are desirable.
Benefits
* A comprehensive wellbeing package covering all aspects of wellbeing, accessible to you and your family.
* A buy‑up of up to four weeks additional annual leave (pro‑rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme.
* Flexibility to take bank holidays to suit your personal circumstances.
* Additional voluntary contributions to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings.
* Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support personal and professional growth.
* Paid volunteering hours each year to make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day.
* Access to peer support groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network.
* Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards.
* An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in‑store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
* Annual leave, sick pay, pension and mileage benefits.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with our employee network 'IDEAL' and self‑organised peer support groups, help us foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment where people feel valued, respected and empowered. We collect relevant diversity data for monitoring as part of the recruitment process to understand the diversity of our applicants and monitor any trends throughout the recruitment process so that we can take meaningful action.
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