SEND & Inclusion Communications Officer
Children and Families Directorate | SEND & Inclusion | Birmingham City Council
Permanent
Grade D - £45,091 – £51,356.
Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review
Make your communications expertise count where it matters most
At Birmingham City Council, we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We’re looking for a skilled, values‑driven SEND & Inclusion Communications Officer to help shape how we engage, inform and build trust with families, partners and communities across Birmingham.
This is a high‑impact role for a communications professional who wants to use their expertise to make a genuine difference—championing inclusive, accessible and purposeful communication in a complex and evolving public sector environment.
About the role
Reporting to the SEND Relationship Manager, you’ll provide strategic leadership on communications across the SEND & Inclusion service. You’ll design and deliver clear, consistent and impactful messaging that aligns with directorate and corporate priorities, while responding to the needs of diverse stakeholders.
You’ll act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders on service communications, leading key channels and campaigns, supporting SEND’s digital presence (including the Local Offer), and helping protect and enhance the reputation of the SEND service. Collaboration will be central to your role—working closely with families, partners, colleagues and corporate communications teams to ensure a unified and credible voice across the SEND landscape.
What you’ll be doing
* Developing and delivering a comprehensive SEND communications strategy aligned with corporate and Local Area Partnership priorities
* Driving the editorial direction of SEND & Inclusion communication channels, ensuring they are trusted, relevant and accessible
* Supporting and developing SEND’s digital presence, including the Local Offer, using insight, engagement and co‑production to shape content
* Providing strategic communications advice to senior leaders and supporting high‑profile, politically sensitive messaging
* Planning, delivering and evaluating communications campaigns, events and engagement activity with measurable impact
* Championing inclusive, accessible communication that reflects Birmingham’s diverse communities and meets equality and legal standards
* Working collaboratively with corporate communications, marketing and branding teams to ensure consistency and quality
* Establishing evaluation frameworks to measure reach and effectiveness, using insight to drive continuous improvement
* Supporting team priorities through guidance, coaching and cover as required
* Working within set budgets to ensure value for money and alignment with strategic priorities
What we’re looking for
You’ll bring a strong background in communications or marketing, with the confidence to manage complex messages and build positive relationships in a local government or similarly complex environment. You’ll be organised, adaptable and calm under pressure, with a commitment to inclusive practice and continuous improvement.
You will have
* A degree in Marketing and/or Communications, or equivalent professional experience
* Experience working in a communications environment, managing projects, campaigns or events
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with a collaborative approach
* Experience using digital tools and platforms to support engagement and innovation
* An understanding of stakeholder engagement and multi‑channel communications
* Knowledge of the SEND system and the sensitivities of a local government political environment (or the ability to quickly develop this)
* A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything you do
Benefits
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and offer flexible working options wherever possible. You’ll also have access to staff networks, development programmes and opportunities to grow your career while making a real social impact.
Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.
Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy here.
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