Communications Officer

Job content

We are looking for an excellent writer with experience in sharing news and information in new and innovative ways which target key audiences. You will be proactive in finding stories within the Essex Highways service and using them to help educate our audience on the work the service is delivering across the county, and proficient in developing this content through a range of communications mediums and channels. You will have a chance to manage the Essex Highways’ reputation and influence how the general public engage with the service through your inspiring and innovative approach.

Council Members pay close to attention to the outputs of the Essex Highways team, so you would feel at ease in this role trying new approaches to communicating key messages and finding the stories and information that our audiences will really care about.

Your experience in proactive and reactive message management will mean you are capable of finding opportunities for promotion but also have the ability to deal with high profile stories and issues management.

The role requires a person who is adaptable, adept at working in a fast-moving environment that relies on real-time communications, welcomes change and has a growth mindset.

The successful candidate will need to have the skills to manage multiple priorities, be proactive and bring solutions and ideas

The Role

· Responsible for developing responses to a range of enquiries, including those from the media, County Council Members, the public and Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests.

· Develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues within the Essex Highways service in order to develop clear and accurate responses and identify PR opportunities and positive stories to promote Essex Highways that can be communicated externally and internally.

· Responsible for helping to develop campaigns and communications strategies, executed by the whole Essex Highways communications team. Develop content for all Essex Highways communications channels, including short videos and podcasts; press releases and responses; social media content; publications; bulletins, video-screen and noticeboard content; web content; presentations, briefings and conferences; FoIs and EIRs.

· Provide media advice and support to the Cabinet Member and their team on a range of proactive and reactive media opportunities.

· Provide support to the Communications Manager in developing communications and engagement handling for Members, encouraging them to promote the service and talk to their residents about works happening in their districts.

· Play an instrumental role in the wider Essex County Council Communications and Marketing network, working closely with colleagues delivering communications across the Highways and Transportation portfolio to facilitate collaborative PR opportunities.

· Ability to drive content development forward both on your own as part of a team to deliver communications strategies and -campaigns.

· Maintain digital media archives including photos and videos.

· Facilitate general production of communication material and events as required, working within established brand guidelines.

Ideal Candidate

· Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience.

· Experience of working in a communications role, ideally with experience in media, either in a public sector organisation or as a media representative.

· Experience of delivering communications during a crisis or on a reputational issue.

· Strong news judgment and pitching skills. Good knowledge of online news and the changing media landscape.

· Experience in a communications and marketing advisory/consultancy role is desirable.

· Ability to effectively communicate strategy is desirable.

· Full driving license.

· Excellent written, oral and presentational communication skills, interpersonal and listening skills

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Gym membership

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person