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Communications Officer

Are you an experienced communications professional with a flair for storytelling, strong media instincts and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders?

We're looking for a Communications Officer to join our busy and ambitious PR & Communications team. This is a varied role covering media relations, public relations and strategic communications, helping to promote, manage and protect the reputation of Kent County Council while ensuring residents understand the services, decisions and support available to them.

Working at the heart of one of the country's largest local authorities, you'll help tell the stories that matter – from promoting important services and campaigns to supporting the council through high-profile announcements, issues and crisis communications.

The role

No two days are the same.

You'll work across a diverse range of services, developing compelling content and proactive communications campaigns, while also responding to media enquiries and proactively placing media stories, while also providing professional communications advice to colleagues and senior leaders.

You will:

• Deliver proactive and reactive communications activity across a range of channels.
• Develop media opportunities that raise awareness of council services, priorities and achievements.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local, regional and national media.
• Create engaging content including news releases, articles, features, video and social media content.
• Work with colleagues across the organisation and with external partners such as parent/carer forums and schools, to identify and develop stories and campaigns.
• Provide communications support and advice to senior officers and elected Members.
• Support reputation management and crisis communications.
• Contribute to the out-of-hours communications rota and emergency response arrangements.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines excellent communications skills with experience in how the media operates.

You might currently work PR, media relations, or a similar field. Most importantly, you'll know how to identify a good story, engage different audiences and communicate complex information in a clear and accessible way.

You'll have:

• Experience in a PR, press office or newsroom environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience creating engaging content across multiple channels.
• An understanding of media relations and what makes a strong news story and the ability to adapt it to online, TV and radio.
• Confidence building relationships with journalists, stakeholders and senior colleagues.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Sound judgement, political awareness and a professional approach to handling sensitive issues.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and a passion for excellent communications.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to work on issues that have a real impact on the lives of Kent residents. You'll join a supportive, professional team working at the heart of the decision-making teams in the Council to deliver PR and communications that inform, engage and build trust across a wide range of important public services.

If you're an experienced communications professional who enjoys combining strategic communications, content creation and media relations, we'd love to hear from you.

About you

For further information on this role, please contact Tracey Gleeson, Head of PR & Communications - tracey.gleeson@kent.gov.uk

About us

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.