Communications Manager - Cotswold District Council

Up to £40,000 • Cotswold District Council • Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Communications Manager

up to £40,000 per annum, 37 Hours per week

Permanent contract

Cirencester/agile working

Proud, passionate, ambitious - it couldn’t be a more exciting time to work for Cotswold District Council. We’re searching for the very best people to join us!

About the role

Cotswold District Council is undergoing an exciting transformation, making a significant shift by re-internalising services and reasserting its role.

This transformation includes prioritising the implementation of its People Strategy.

We're prioritising our People Strategy to create a workplace culture that reflects our values, and to strengthen communication both internally and externally.

As part of this transformation, we’re seeking a Communications Manager to support the delivery of both proactive and reactive communications. The individual will need to be focused and driven to ensure all communications align closely with the aspirations of councillors and meet the needs of residents and the district.

A focus on momentum is essential to maintain the pace of progress and ensure that initiatives are delivered effectively, whilst the individual’s creative thinking will be vital for developing engaging and memorable content that resonates with the local community. Innovation and collaboration are key for exploring new media channels and approaches to reach diverse audiences and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Communications Manager will be required to work closely with the Head of Comms and Campaign Manager to ensure all communications are aligned with the Council's strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering effective media relations in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to take both a proactive and reactive approach.

Key responsibilities:

• Media Relations/Monitoring: Manage media enquiries and statements, coordinate press and photo opportunities, and build and maintain relationships with the media. Monitor media coverage and create comprehensive media reports.
• Press Release Management: Oversee and manage the production and distribution of accurate and relevant press releases.
• Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans and strategies to effectively manage the Council’s reputational risks and respond to media enquiries.
• Strategic Media Communications: Develop and implement strategic media communication plans that align with the council's objectives and strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support the team in maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including councillors, officers, partners, media and suppliers

You will need

• Proven experience in a media relations role, ideally within both the private and public sector
• Strong understanding of the media landscape, including print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Experience in media monitoring and media reporting.
• Relevant crisis communication experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• A passion for using communication to make a positive impact on communities.

Special Conditions

• Full UK driving licence with access to a car for work purposes
• BPSS
• This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

What can we do for you

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years of service
• In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

How to apply:

To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page to complete an application form and supporting statement together with your CV. Your CV will not be available to the hiring manager unless you are shortlisted for interview to assist with our non-biased screening process so please ensure you complete the application form in full.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.