Overview
Job title: Communications Officer
Salary: PO2 £39,862 – £42,839
Hours: Full time (37 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8BB. Hybrid working is available.
Migration Yorkshire is seeking a Communications Officer to help share impartial, accessible information about migration and its impact on local communities. The role focuses on explaining complex, sensitive topics in clear terms and supporting audiences to make informed, evidence-based choices about design and delivery of services.
Leeds City Council is one of the region’s largest employers. We aim to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About You
As a Communications Officer, you will bring to the role:
* Experience of using a website content management system such as Drupal
* Good knowledge of at least one design and image/editing software package such as InDesign
* Instinct to spot and develop a good story
* Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
* Enthusiasm about the integration of migrants and ensuring that the Yorkshire and Humber region benefits from migration
About the role
We create a lot of information across the team and need someone to help us do this clearly, consistently, and in ways that keep our audiences interested. You will work with our Drupal CMS, develop our social media presence, and upskill colleagues who support communications work.
The role sits within the Migration Yorkshire team — part of the policy, research, communications and statistics function. Migration Yorkshire provides leadership, coordination, evidence and practical assistance to organisations across local, regional and national levels to improve understanding and integration of migrants and maximise opportunities for all.
Migration Yorkshire is a partnership of councils working across the Yorkshire and Humber region and is based in Leeds. We are politically neutral and do not engage in campaigning.
What We Offer You
We pride ourselves on a strong employee experience and offer benefits including:
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, subject to service requirements
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* A range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial security
How to apply
Please complete the online application form and read our guidance for completing your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Pip Tyler, Policy and Research Manager. Call 0113 378 8188 or email pip.tyler@migrationyorkshire.org.uk
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care-experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. You must evidence your right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or with the appropriate visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, please consider eligibility for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. Check you meet the salary and eligibility criteria before applying.
Job Description and Responsibilities
Job Purpose: The post holder will work flexibly across Migration Yorkshire’s communications functions, with a focus on maintaining the website, preparing materials for publication, responding to partners, and developing social media and visual content. You will be part of the Migration Yorkshire team and support the organisation’s communications objectives.
Responsibilities:
* Help to develop and coordinate communications plans across the team in line with messaging, style and branding guidelines and funder requirements
* Write and design informative material in a range of styles for diverse audiences (newsletters, stories, blogs, press releases, etc.)
* Develop Migration Yorkshire’s social media strategy and profile; publish content, respond to queries, monitor engagement, and set up new channels as required
* Provide responsive information to external organisations on behalf of Migration Yorkshire
* Coordinate maintenance and restructuring of the Migration Yorkshire website and moderate web authoring across the team
* Identify ideas for sharing information on migration to make complex data accessible and engaging; design and create or commission materials
* Liaise with organisations to identify good news stories and potential case studies; source publicity materials and ideas
* Create or commission photos, graphics and other materials as required
* Curate a media assets library and manage data retention practices
* Monitor migration news to create timely reactive digital content in collaboration with colleagues and external partners
* Analyse and report on activity and statistics for social media and website platforms
* Make presentations at internal and external meetings, events and workshops
* Provide excellent customer service and respond to routine enquiries
* Respect the sensitive nature of the work and follow data protection practices
* Able and willing to travel across Yorkshire and Humber, and occasionally beyond the region
The duties are not exhaustive and may include other tasks in the spirit of the post.
Essential Behavioural and Other Characteristics
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours
* Commitment to continuous improvement and delivering inclusive growth and resilient communities
* Ability to observe council policies and procedures
* Commitment to health, safety and wellbeing
* Participate in appraisal, training and development
* Support equality and diversity and challenge discrimination
* Flexible and adaptable to change
* Work within the council’s flexibility protocol
Qualifications
* A higher education qualification or equivalent professional experience in social/digital media, marketing, communications, journalism, multimedia technology or related discipline
Essential Requirements
* Experience with Drupal CMS
* Knowledge of design/photo editing software (e.g., InDesign) for digital content
* Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with the ability to tailor tone for diverse audiences
* Experience in creating high-quality online content and using social media to meet objectives
* Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work independently
* Experience in handling confidential or politically sensitive content
* Experience in media communications and public speaking
* Ability to work collaboratively across teams and sectors
* Experience in creating infographics and/or short videos for online use
* Understanding of information governance as it applies to communications
Job description and responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be amended as required.
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