Strategic Communications and Social Media Officer

• JD_-_Strategic_Communications_and_Social_Media_Officer_-_part-time

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Strategic Communications and Social Media Officer, to join us as a key member of the Communication, Engagement and Marketing team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a part-time, permanent basis. This role is working 2 days a week.

We are looking for a dynamic professional able to lead strategic communications and create social media content to help us reach all our residents.

You will work with teams across the council to put together campaigns and lead on priorities that deliver real outcomes for residents and the organisation.

What you’ll work on will vary widely and could include marketing events to maximise income, explaining the council’s financial situation, making sure people know how to get help they are entitled to or keeping people informed about major projects or changes.

With local government under increasing funding pressure, it is vital that we target our communications where it is most effective – so you will also be involved in monitoring how effective we are and making improvements where possible.

We are looking for social media naturals who can generate content people want to engage with. Our Facebook presence is already among the most innovative and effective of local councils, but we want to push this further and improve across all platforms.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (rising to 35 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing and leading on communications campaigns to deliver measurable outcomes
• Leading regular communications on specific priorities of the council – again, with success measures in place
• Creating engaging social media content (including user generated content) that engages with broad audiences, which celebrates the borough and its residents
• Build good relations with internal and external partners so communication delivers mutual benefits whenever possible
• Supporting regular communication activity (such as responding to media enquiries) as required
• Supporting crisis communications across any council area as required
• Contributing to the development of the council’s visual brand

Candidate Requirements:

Essential:

• Excellent social media content creation skills to deliver highly engaging output across all channels, including emerging platforms
• Excellent writer in range of styles such as web content, social media content, email newsletters and news releases
• Communications and social media campaign planning, implementation and reporting
• Experience working with a communications or marketing team or media role

Desirable:

• Degree level or equivalent professional qualification
• Evidence of continued professional development or commitment to informal learning and improvement
• Proficient in communications and social media data analysis and reporting
• Understanding of local government and experience working for public sector body
• Understanding of social media data analysis tools

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Alternatively, for an informal discussion please contact: Connor McLoughlin, Strategic Communications & Social Media Lead at Connor.McLoughlin@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: Monday 21st July 2025

Interview date: TBC

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.