Head of communications and engagement

• Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
• Address: Police Headquarters, Portal Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 3QS
• Salary: £57,831 per annum
• Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0795

An opportunity has arisen to join the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) as Head of Communications and Engagement.

In this senior leadership role, you will shape and lead the delivery of communications and engagement activity on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

You will ensure that the work of the OPCC is presented clearly and transparently, supporting effective communication with the public, partners and stakeholders; while delivering communications and engagement activity between the PCC and key stakeholders, including communities, partners, elected representatives, the media, officers and staff.

You will lead the delivery of an internal and external news and PR (Public Relations) service for the PCC. This will include issuing information about PCC activities and initiatives, generating positive media coverage, and raising internal awareness.

You will develop and implement communications strategies that support the PCC’s strategic priorities, as set out in Suffolk’s Police and Crime Plan, and protect and enhance the PCC’s reputation.

You will also provide specialist communications advice to the PCC and OPCC officers.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the media landscape (local, regional, national).
• Knowledge of public sector communications (ideally policing or criminal justice).
• Understanding of digital communications, social media and audience engagement.
• Awareness of governance, transparency and public accountability requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, flexible working opportunities and the ability to occasionally work from home.
• An excellent local government pension scheme and access to the Blue Light Card discount scheme.
• Exciting and varied work.
• The opportunity to make a difference to the community of Suffolk.