5281221 – Communications Account Manager

1.    To be the lead point of contact for all communications requirements within a defined portfolio area building excellent working relationships with key colleagues – including senior elected members and chief officers – and deputising for the Media & Campaigns Manager as required.

2.    Lead on the delivery of the integrated corporate Communications Strategy, which is widely owned and ambitious, within defined portfolio area driving demonstrable improvements in the way the council communicates.

3.    Proactively manage communications within a defined portfolio area ensuring all communications supports agreed corporate objectives with regular evaluation of output to ensure budgets and other resources are being deployed efficiently.

1.    Devise, manage and oversee the delivery of cross-cutting, audience-led communications plans which have the council’s vision, values and ethos at their core and drive positive behaviour change and increased residents’ satisfaction within a defined portfolio area

2.    Support senior council leaders and managers with strategic advice on communications campaign planning, reputation management and media relations.

3.    Lead on promoting and defending the reputation of Brent Council within a defined portfolio area through local, regional, national and specialist and broadcast media by effectively managing media enquiries, identifying proactive media opportunities, writing news releases, issuing of statements and placing of features.

1. Act as the main communications point of contact for a defined portfolio area, including attending meetings with senior stakeholders such as Cabinet Members, Strategic Directors, heads of service, contractors and partners.

1. Proactively challenge higher cost and lower impact communications and guide departmental colleagues towards communications approaches which are more effective while ensuring communications approaches are timely, accurate and represent the council’s best interest at all times.

1. Build and maintain a network of contacts within defined portfolio area to maximise the opportunities to consistently deliver the council’s key messages by turning the intelligence gathered from these sources into compelling communications output.

7.    Actively research regional and national issues of relevance to the council’s core aims and identify media opportunities which can spread the council’s key messages to a wider audience.

8.    Develop effective working relationships and act as an ambassador and advocate with external organisations.

9.    Keep up to date with developments in service delivery and best practice to ensure the communication output from defined portfolio area represents best practice systematically evaluating communications output and reporting results on at least a quarterly basis.

10.  To advise colleagues in relevant service areas to ensure that all materials produced are in compliance with the 1988 Local Government Act on publicity.

1. Work effectively with the Transformation Team to ensure consistency between internal and external communications work and liaise with the editors of council controlled channels, such as the YourBrentMagazine and various e-newsletters, to supply content within deadline.

1. Log media requests in a timely fashion and ensure they are owned and responded to within appropriate deadlines using the council’s agreed sign off protocol. Publish agreed news stories to the council website and lead on proactive social media posts (both organic and paid for) in defined portfolio area.

13.  Responsible for the out of hours media service on a rota basis, including responding to media calls, formulating responses with officers and senior communications staff and, if required, drafting briefings. The out hours rota also includes being aware of any major developments on social media which may require an out of hours response.

14.  Through regular evaluation of communications outcomes, contribute towards the use of effective, low cost communications channels and help minimise the use of expensive or ineffective methods of communication.

15.  Make a positive contribution to the delivery of the communications service, including working flexibly and positively and proactively suggesting ways to make the team more efficient and cost effective.

16.  Film, edit footage, and produce videos, as well as taking high quality still photos, to support corporate communications.

17.  Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all employees are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and well being of children and vulnerable adults.

18.  Carry out duties with due regard to the Council’s Customer Care, Equal Opportunities, Information Governance, Data Protection and Health and Safety policies and procedures.

19.  Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of this post.

• Relevant professional communications qualification in public relations, marketing or related field.
• A proven track record of working successfully in journalism, communications or public relations.
• Knowledge and a good understanding of the law as it applies to local government communication.
• An understanding of issues relating to communication within local government.
• An understanding of the issues involved in communicating via the internet, intranet and social media.
• A thorough understanding of the dynamics of working as an officer in a political environment.

• A proven track record of developing and implementing successful audience led communication strategies.

• Substantial and demonstrable understanding and experience of external and internal communication techniques, practices and current thinking.

• Experience of developing and delivering widespread media coverage and communications campaigns which can drive residents’ satisfaction and positive behaviour change.

• Understanding of political sensitivity and the ability to form productive, professional working relationships with staff at all levels, senior politicians and members of the media

• Highly developed oral and written skills with the ability to prepare high quality, effective publicity materials to tight deadlines.

• Ability to identify and manage confidential and sensitive information and to operate with professionalism and integrity.

• Ability to work on proactive and reactive media relations with guidance as necessary from Team Leader or principal officers.

·         To be able to work evenings and weekends with appropriate notice as part of an ‘on call’ media service

·         Ability to use smart phones to create high quality short videos and photos