Wandsworth Council is a dynamic local authority in London, committed to delivering excellent services and making a positive impact on our diverse community. We are looking for a Senior Communications and Campaigns officer to join our team and help us effectively communicate our initiatives, engage residents, and drive positive change in the borough. Check out the other communications roles we're recruiting to via https://recruitment.richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk/wandsworth-communications/.
The Communications Team is at the centre of the Council and has a high impact on the services and audiences it serves. It provides strategic leadership on media relations, public relation, event management, community engagement, publications, social media management and monitoring, branding, design and the councils websites. It is also responsible for the operational oversight, delivery and coordination of all corporate communications activity across the wider council.
As the Senior Communications and Campaigns Officer you will be responsible for developing and implementing communication plans to promote Wandsworth Council's projects, policies, and services. You will support behaviour change campaign efforts, communications planning, storytelling and content creation across the organisation, and identify and deliver proactive PR initiatives to enhance the council's reputation.
You will be required to:
- Lead account areas, manage and mentor junior team members, directly work with Cabinet members and senior leaders, external stakeholders and suppliers.
- Make informed and expert decisions around the right communications solution to a range of council initiatives
- Communications Account Manager for Directorate Portfolios represented by the Councillor.
- Working to champion strategies and initiatives linked to councils’ key priority areas including Children’s Social Care.
- Directly line manage and develop campaign officer.
- Support the planning and execution of integrated campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, social media, print, and events.
You will have:
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful PR campaigns.
- Experienced in PR, media relations, or communications, preferably within a public sector or government environment. Previous experience as a journalist would be an advantage.
- Clear understanding of how to use and assess the effectiveness of social media and other e-marketing tools.
- Effective communicator and interpersonal skills alongside the ability to plan strategically.
The is a two-year fixed term contract. This is a hybrid role working 2-3 days from Wandsworth Council offices/out and about in the borough and the rest from home.
Closing Date: 5th June 2024
Shortlisting Date: 10th June 2024
Interview Date: w/c 17 June 2024 (interviews will be via video call - questions will be shared in advance)
Test/Presentation: In person written test and group exercise w/c 17th June – Wandsworth Town Hall.
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
All internal applicants for this secondment must seek permission from their current line manager before applying. Failure to do so may result in the secondment not being authorised.
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.