• A highly dynamic and strategic role responsible for delivering effective internal and external communications, media relations, and community engagement campaigns across digital and traditional channels.

• The Communications and Engagement Officer plays a key role in protecting and enhancing the organisation’s reputation, advising senior stakeholders, managing media enquiries, and delivering digital content that aligns with the organisation’s values and objectives.

• This role also includes overseeing consultation processes and working collaboratively across departments to ensure clear, accessible, and impactful communication.

• Develop and manage integrated communications and engagement campaigns aligned with organisational priorities, including marketing, media, and public engagement initiatives.

• Create, edit and manage a range of content across channels including websites, printed publications, social media, and press releases—ensuring clarity, accessibility, and consistency.

• Act as a media liaison, responding to press enquiries, drafting statements, and supporting proactive media relations to safeguard and promote the organisation’s reputation.

• Lead and coordinate consultations, surveys, and public engagement initiatives, including designing methodologies, analysing results, and reporting to stakeholders.

• Support corporate web development projects, manage digital content (including metadata and search engine optimisation), and maintain the usability and architecture of online platforms.

• Provide communication advice to councillors, officers, and service managers; deliver media training where needed and produce daily updates on communications issues.

• Collaborate with designers, photographers, and digital contractors to ensure the delivery of high-quality visual and multimedia content.

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of campaigns using analytics tools and data insight to inform decision-making.

• Participate in a 24/7 out-of-hours rota to support emergency and urgent communication needs.

• Supervise and mentor junior staff such as apprentices and graduates, contributing to their professional development.

• Extensive experience in communications, media relations, or engagement role within a complex organisation, or relevant qualifications in journalism, marketing, or public relations.

• Strong news judgement with the ability to manage media interest around high-profile or sensitive topics.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication or engagement strategies and campaigns.

• Exceptional writing, editorial and proofreading skills, with the ability to tailor content for different audiences and platforms.

• Confident in managing digital communication tools, content management systems (CMS), media tracking platforms, and social media analytics.

• Practical understanding of HTML and experience in developing or editing accessible and user-focused digital content.

• Ability to use design tools and develop online forms, consultations, and digital campaigns.

• Skilled in interpreting data and insights to enhance customer experience and improve service delivery.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to brief senior managers and deliver public presentations.

• Strong time management and the ability to work flexibly under pressure as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.