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Job Reference: HCC623755
Salary Range: £48,948 -£54,423per annum
Contract Type:Temporary until 31 March 2028
Closing Date:19 April 2026
Interview Date: w/c 27 April 2026
We’re seeking a highly skilled senior communications professional with proven, extensive experience to join our Communications service within one of the largest and highest performing County Councils in the country. This is a key Communications Adviser role supporting the delivery of Hampshire County Council’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) communications programme, a once-in-a-generation change across Hampshire and the Solent area.
You’ll bring the judgement, confidence and pace needed to shape and deliver clear, consistent communications as the programme progresses, working across corporate communications, directorates and a wide range of stakeholders, including partner local authorities.
The Role:
Hampshire County Council has a strong reputation for delivering high performing essential services to our 1.4 million residents and engaging efficiently and effectively with the people of Hampshire, our staff, partners and stakeholders, the news media and more.
As a Communications Advisor, you’ll lead, advise on and deliver a range of comprehensive communications activities and strategies, to promote the County Council’s reputation and meet corporate, directorate and service objectives. Reporting to the Strategic Communications & Corporate Reputation Business Partner within Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll work at the centre of the organisation, supporting communications for the delivery of the LGR programme as it moves through detailed transition planning to implementation in April 2028. You’ll help develop and deliver clear, consistent messaging, working collaboratively across the Communications service, and with partner local authorities to support shared objectives. You’ll also provide additional capacity and expertise to the County Council’s operational Communications team at key moments, delivering high quality communications at pace, with strong judgement, accuracy and attention to detail.
You’ll be an excellent writer and storyteller, able to translate complex programme information into clear, engaging communications that build understanding, confidence and reassurance across different audiences and channels. This is a hands‑on role requiring a proactive self‑starter who can shape communications plans, draft and deliver excellent written and digital content, coordinate activity across teams, and respond effectively as information evolves and uncertainty needs careful handling. A strong team player with proven relationship management skills, you’ll be comfortable operating at all levels of seniority including with Directors, heads of service, managers, Councillors, key stakeholders and partners, and trusted to handle sensitive or high‑profile issues with professionalism and care.
What you’ll do:
* Support the planning and delivery of communications for the LGR programme through to implementation in April 2028
* Develop and deliver communications plans and high-quality content that support corporate and programme objectives
* Translate complex or sensitive information into clear, engaging communications for a range of audiences and channels
* Coordinate communications activity across teams and with partner local authorities to ensure alignment and consistency
* Identify communications priorities, apply sound judgement, and demonstrate the impact of communications activity
What we’re looking for:
* Qualified to graduate level or equivalent professional qualification in communications, public relations or marketing
* Significant experience delivering high‑quality, engaging communications in complex, fast‑paced environments, ideally within the public sector or local government
* Highly organised, with strong end‑to‑end communications planning and delivery skills, including extensive experience developing clear, engaging strategies, plans and campaigns and translating complex messages for diverse audiences and channels
* Demonstrated experience in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on communications impact, using data and insight to assess effectiveness, refine approach and clearly articulate outcomes
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong storytelling capability across multiple channels, including digital, social and staff‑facing platforms
* A proactive, solutions‑focused approach, with the ability to work at pace while maintaining accuracy, consistency and strong attention to detail
* Experience contributing to complex programmes (preferably evidence of involvement in organisational change projects), where messaging evolves over time and requires careful judgement
* Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery, prioritising effectively to manage multiple priorities and meet competing demands while thriving in a collaborative, adaptable team environment
* Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills. Confident advising and working with senior leaders and handling sensitive or high‑profile issues with professionalism and sound judgement
* Experience producing creative digital, video and social media content, and using analytics (e.g. Google Analytics and social insights) to inform strategy and demonstrate impact
* Proven PR and media handling expertise, including crisis communications, managing sensitive issues and securing positive coverage
* Strong political awareness and understanding of the ethical, legal and corporate context of local government communications
Ourbenefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi‑time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward‑looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
Please note this post is Politically Restricted.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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