Job description

Role Profile

Role Title: Senior News & Communications Officer

Service Area: Communications & Digital Services

Scale: SO1

Reporting to: Corporate Communications Lead

Responsible for: N/A

Purpose

A key member of the Communications and Engagement team, working across the full breadth of communications activities and channels. The role contributes to supporting effective communication and engagement with the local business community, residents and other stakeholders (both internal and external).

To provide an accurate, timely and cost efficient dialogue between Three Rivers District Council and its stakeholders. This will be achieved through multi-media storytelling across a number of platforms, as well as outreach work with key sections of the business community.

To work with all services to identify news stories to promote the Council’s activities and events.

The role will involve hybrid working including at least one day per week in the office at Three Rivers House, and the attendance at events and meetings as required, some of which may be in evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities
Provide general communications and PR support to the Corporate Communications Lead and the organisation as a wholeIdentify, develop and write news stories and other copy for the council’s external and internal channelsWorking with the Marketing & Campaigns Manager liaise with service area managers to develop content and promote the council’s service activityIdentify photo opportunities – deciding creative angle, and taking photographs as requiredDevelop scripts, filming, and editing videos using editing software such as Adobe Premiere Develop digital content and campaigns for social and digital channels, including LinkedIn, working with the Graphic DesignerAssist with the development of an effective communications plan in support of local businesses and the local economy, working closely with relevant service areas and external organisationsUpload content to the council’s website, intranet and other channels, ensuring that content is clear, relevant and engagingMonitor print, broadcast and online media coverageManage and update PR forward planners and event diariesLiaise with partner agencies and organisations as required to successfully deliver campaignsHorizon scan for local, regional and national events and opportunities that the council can maximizeAttend staff meetings, Council, Committee meetings and events as required, some of which will require evening and weekend working

• Play an active part in the Communications and Engagement Team displaying a positive attitude towards staff meetings and projects, supporting other team members as required
• As part of the response/recovery team to carryout communications in emergency situations including providing and being part of a 24 hour on call communications service
• Any other reasonable duties are directed by the Corporate Communications Lead or Head of Customer Experience
• You may also be required to undertake administrative duties on behalf of the Electoral Registration Officer and/or the Returning Officer relating to the registration of electors and the organisation of elections i.e. processing postal votes, canvassing properties during office hours.
• You will consider and implement environmental sustainability as a guiding principal within processes, activities and projects delivered.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

• Communications, PR or journalism qualification or equivalent experience
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
• Excellent news writing, editing and proof reading skills
• Experience of using research, data and intelligence to plan, develop, implement and measure strategies
• Ability to produce engaging materials for media and marketing purposes
• Proven practice in using social media to effectively communicate and engage
• Excellent copywriting skills and ability to adapt style to suit a range of audiences and channels
• Experience of website content editing using a CMS
• Basic video filming, editing and photographic skills
• Excellent relationship building skills across a range of partners and stakeholders
• Ability to adapt working style and approach
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to coach and lead others
• Excellent influencing and persuasive skills
• Awareness of politically sensitive issues
• Ability to both lead and work as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and valuing diversity in service provision
• Compliance with all Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Information Security and Data Quality policies and guidance as relevant to the team
• Perform other duties within function area as and when required, including supporting the service

Key Relationships

Internal

• Corporate Communications Lead
• Head of Customer Experience
• Marketing & Campaigns Manager
• Communications & Digital Services Team
• Lead Members
• Heads of Service
• Service Managers

External

• National and local media and Press
• Local businesses
• Residents and customer of Three Rivers
• Local event organisers

This is a politically restricted post.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £31,102.00-£32,971.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• RICKMANSWORTH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in RICKMANSWORTH

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