Communications Officer

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Communications Officer for our client local government organisation based in Southampton.

The successful candidate will support the Communications management team in the development and implementation of a communications strategy and communications plan that encompasses research, media and public relations, marketing, internal communications and digital communications.

They will mainly engage with local businesses and communities on the organisation's City Plan consultation. Encouraging the businesses and communities to engage with the consultation and why their involvement is essential to the success of the final city wide plan.

A communications plan and activity will also be part of the role to encourage completion of the consultation across online and offline channels.

This is a 3 month starting contract with the possibility to extend. Hybrid working is available.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Support and promote services across the organisation in order to increase awareness of, and access to, their services, and to improve resident and stakeholder perception of the services the organisation provides them.
• Manage the reputation of the organisation by dealing effectively with reactive media enquiries - by providing salient information and approved statements to defend the organisation position. Develop proactive media by selling-in and placing approved press releases, narratives and statements to a variety of audiences to enhance reputation, inform, modify behaviour and enhance the brand.
• Support behaviour change in staff and residents where it contributes to the organisation's and city's objectives.
• Manage, for the organisation, the efficient operation of agreed communications activities, budgets and targets as part of an annual communications plan and be flexible in meeting changing priorities.
• Work effectively with councilors and managers in proactively identifying and solving problems, evaluating the efficiency of communications methods and to make recommendations for improvement.
• Gain knowledge and understanding of other cross-organisation activities to ensure that appropriate communications support can be provided.

Personal Requirements:

• Educated to degree level or evidence of equivalent academic achievement evidence of professional experience working in a communications role for at least 3 years.
• An understanding of how the media, PR and marketing industries operate.
• Evidence of keeping up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice.
• CIM or CIPR certificate is desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of writing and implementing campaigns and project plans across an integrated marketing mix, working within the council guidelines, procedures and practices to develop draft plans.
• Excellent knowledge of local authorities, its structures, policies, procedures, processes and how the Directorate works in partnership with others related to the services provided.

Working Hours: 09:00am - 17:00pm, Monday - Friday

Pay: £25.36 p/h

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.