Communications Lead

Communication Lead

I am working with a Public Sector Organisation based in Torridge who are looking for a Communication Lead for 3 Months Initially.

The role is full time, to start ASAP and paying up to 24 Umbrella per hour. The role is in scope of IR35.

Job Purpose

• To ensure a strategic approach to PR and comms is taken across TDC and to lead in the development of the communications & consultation strategy to help create a positive profile and reputation for the Council which must underpin, and align with, the strategy and vision of Torridge District Council to be a great place to live, work and visit and current strategic plan.
• To help engage residents and other stakeholders with council priorities through the development and delivery of creative and high-quality content across a range of on and off-line channels.
• To lead the Councils' work in improving the way it communicates internally and externally with the public, staff, and service users. To maximise opportunities for publicity on emerging software platforms and media capture and manipulation technologies.
• To coordinate the Councils formal complaints process and act as the Councils named Local Ombudsman Link Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the HR & Comms Manager the development of coherent and realistic business plan including the gaining of 'ownership' by Lead Members and Senior Managers
• Effectively deploying relevant resources across the team to ensure the delivery of business and service plans and accepting responsibility for these to Senior Managers.
• To undertake project work related to communications and consultation as and when required, for example ensuring the Authority is compliant with the accessibility requirement for public sector bodies
• Prepare appropriate responses to media enquiries, prepare press releases and arrange interview opportunities. This includes advising on high level, contentious and sensitive media issues liaising with Councillors, Leaders, Lead Members and the Senior Officer Management Team.
• Effective use of all other resources including risk management.
• To lead on the implementing, delivering and reporting on the communications & consultations strategy in line with the Council's visions and goals.
• To provide professional support, advice and assist training to Councillors, the Chief Executive and other managers on all aspects of PR, communications and consultation
• To lead the council's work in improving the way it communicates internally and externally with the public, staff and service users. This includes, but is not limited to: staff newsletter, fund raisers, branding, annual shows.
• Develop marketing and communication activities with the aim of promoting the Council's services and encouraging the understanding, support and involvement of Torridge residents, visitors and business community.
• Build strong relationships, develop partnerships and collaborate with other Government, Local Government, third party organisations, and local private sector bodies and voluntary groups to co-ordinate activity and actions supporting Council, Regional and National strategic objectives.
• Torridge - a great place to live, work and visit
• To drive continuous improvement as directed by the Business plan and actively seek out examples of best practice in communications that might be relevant for adoption in Torridge.
• Develop and grow the council's corporate social media presence across a range of different platforms.
• Provide technical support and advice to officers and services to drive digital channel shift.
• Build short to long term communication plans including social media and messaging content and develop methods to measure the success of these as well as maintaining other agreed metrics.
• To be aware of changes in web and online technology and its application in local government and the public sector and make recommendations as to how this can develop and improve the council's digital channels.

Knowledge & Skills

• NVQ Level 4 in journalism/public relations/media studies (or similar) or equivalent qualifications /experience
• An understanding of local authorities, the political environment in which they operate and the key issues and challenges they face
• Knowledge of the various laws and codes governing equalities, public relations and communications
• Ability to understand the broader organisational issues facing the Council and implications for local government of national policy.
• Experience and knowledge of marketing and communications techniques including the use of printed and online materials and of using and developing social media effectively in a professional capacity
• Experience of developing and managing effective internal and external communications strategies and plans, including crisis or reputation management
• Previous experience of drafting suitable content for social media as well as web editorial
• Liaising with the media and communication professionals, including designers

Please only apply for this post if you are an experienced communications professional and available to start on no more than a week's notice.

Thank you

Priyanka Sharma(Eden Brown Synergy)

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.

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