<div><h3>Interim internal communications manager – six months</h3><p><b>Service:</b> Communications</p><p><b>Location:</b> Hybrid (some time per week in Gateshead Civic Centre)</p><p><b>Line manager:</b> Head of Communications and Engagement</p><h3>What we want you to do…</h3><p>To lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive internal communications and colleague engagement strategy that supports Gateshead Council’s strategic priorities and organisational culture.</p><p>You will play a key role in strengthening how we communicate with, listen to and engage our workforce, ensuring colleagues are informed, involved and connected to the Council’s vision and priorities.</p><p>You will also lead improvements to internal communication channels, ensuring they are effective, accessible and aligned to colleague needs.</p><h3>Key responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Lead the development and delivery of a Council-wide <b>colleague engagement strategy</b>, aligned to organisational priorities and cultural ambitions.</li><li>Act as the <b>strategic lead for internal communications</b>, advising senior leaders, directors and elected members on best practice approaches.</li><li>Design and deliver <b>engagement campaigns and initiatives</b> that improve staff understanding, involvement and pride in the organisation.</li><li>Review, modernise and optimise all <b>internal communication channels</b> (e.g. intranet, email, leadership comms, face‑to‑face engagement), ensuring they are effective and user‑focused.</li><li>Develop a <b>clear internal communications framework</b>, including governance, planning, evaluation and messaging consistency.</li><li>Lead on <b>major organisational communications</b>, including transformation programmes, change activity and corporate priorities.</li><li>Use insight and data (e.g. staff surveys, analytics) to <b>shape activity and measure impact</b>, embedding continuous improvement.</li><li>Ensure all communications are <b>clear, inclusive and accessible</b></li><li>Work collaboratively with HR/OD and senior leadership to align communications with <b>workforce engagement and culture change activity</b>.</li><li>Build strong relationships across the organisation and with partners to support communication objectives.</li><li>Provide leadership during <b>reputational or organisational issues</b>, ensuring colleagues are informed and supported.</li><li>Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority of the role.</li></ul><h3>What you need to be successful…</h3><h3>The knowledge</h3><p><b>Essential:</b></p><ul><li>Internal communications and <b>employee engagement strategy development</b></li><li>Best practice in <b>organisational communications and change comms</b></li><li>Effective use of <b>multi‑channel internal communications approaches</b></li><li>Understanding of <b>large, complex organisations</b>. Understanding the public sector context would be an advantage</li></ul><h3>The qualifications</h3><p><b>Essential:</b></p><ul><li>Degree/professional qualification in communications, PR, marketing or related discipline, or equivalent experience</li></ul><h3>The experience</h3><p><b>Essential:</b></p><ul><li>Leading and delivering <b>internal communications and engagement strategies</b> at a senior level</li><li>Advising senior leaders and stakeholders on <b>strategic communications</b> (scaled up from officer‑level advice in your base role)</li><li>Managing <b>organisational change communications</b> and complex programmes</li><li>Developing and improving <b>internal communication channels and platforms</b></li><li>Using insight, analytics and benchmarking to <b>measure and demonstrate impact</b></li><li>Creating clear, engaging content and translating complex information into accessible messages</li><li>Leading cross‑organisational projects and delivering through others</li><li>Building strong relationships and influencing at senior level</li></ul><p><b>Desirable:</b></p><ul><li>Experience in local government or a similarly complex public sector organisation</li><li>Experience managing teams or leading a function</li></ul></div>