Digital Communications and Engagement Officer

We are looking to recruit to a new and exciting role in our Communications and Marketing department. The Digital Communications and Engagement Officer will be responsible for managing and developing Medway Council’s social media channels and digital platforms, this includes editorial oversight of other service managed social media and digital channels.

The Digital Communications and Engagement Officer will provide strategic input by planning and implementing digital communications and engagement strategies, using a variety of methods and channels to reach a wide range of audiences, to promote the council’s vision and priorities as well as support the department’s proactive and reactive communications.

The successful candidate will have excellent writing skills across a variety of formats, with the ability to produce engaging copy across multiple channels, including eNewsletters and other email-marketing activities.

This is a creative role which involves producing videos and carrying out video interviews with senior members of staff. The Digital Communications and Engagement Officer will be confident to research topics (sometimes complex), write scripts and film senior members of staff, as well as edit and publish video footage across multiple channels and platforms.

They will be responsible for training colleagues on best practice in using a variety of social media channels and digital platforms, as well as staying up-to-date on industry best practice and making recommendations through trend awareness. They will maintain professional standards by keeping abreast of best practice in digital communications and engagement, as well as issues affecting local government. They will fully comply with legislation, including GDPR, when publishing content across all channels.

The Digital Communications and Engagement Officer will work closely with the Press Office, which is responsible for managing the council’s reputation and promoting the council’s vision and priorities. They will provide a social media listening role and be able to respond to residents’ concerns and queries online, ensuring as far as possible that misinformation is corrected and effective signposting to correct information is provided, as well as reporting and advising senior colleagues on emerging topics and issues arising.

This role will support the Press Office during an emergency incident or crisis, with the ability of working independently, under pressure and to tight deadlines. They will be part of the Communications and Marketing team’s out of hours emergency communications rota, as well as a rota to attend evening meetings, such as Full Council and Cabinet, to cover social media on corporate decision making.

We are seeking a Digital Communications & Engagement Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Senior Media and Internal Communications Manager Carly Wymark on 01634 332252.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.