Press and Communications Officer

Press and Communications Officer

REF: LBC02901

Contract Type: Permanent

Posting End Date: 5^th February 2024

About us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

About the job

Salary: £40,221 - £43,421

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Permanent

Our department are looking for a Press and Communications Officer to protect the reputation of the council through effective management of press enquiries, while forming, building and maintaining relationships with local, national and trade media.

The ideal candidate is someone who is able to produce content for a range of external audiences, using multiple traditional and digital channels and editing and proofreading items supplied by others to ensure a high standard of communication.

About you

We are looking for someone who is able to negotiate, consult and influence key stakeholders and senior staff including councillors, providing professional advice to secure support and commitment to a course of action or different way of thinking in order to achieve buy-in.

You will have the opportunity to develop on your existing skills by using well-developed communication skills to present complex/sensitive information in an understandable way, to a range of audiences.

We do ask that you are qualified to degree level in marketing or communications (or equivalent relevant workplace experience), or recognised professional qualification in Media, Marketing, Public Relations and/or equivalent verifiable experience or training.

Applicants for this role will need to be able travel to locations inside and outside the Borough on average 2-3 times per week.

Benefits

We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:

• From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and well being support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel.

How to apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!

Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: https://jobs.luton.gov.uk/how-to-apply/

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.