Job Details

Communications Officer

Location: Shropshire – Guildhall, Shrewsbury (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)
Contract: 12 weeks
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Pay Rate: £18.44 PAYE
Start Date: ASAP
IR35: Inside IR35
DBS: Basic DBS required

About the Role

Shropshire Council is looking for an experienced Communications Officer to join its Communications Team within the Strategy and Change Directorate.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of strategic internal and external communications, including high-profile campaigns and initiatives. The role will focus particularly on supporting the council’s children’s transformation programme, helping to promote services, communicate important changes and maintain the council’s public reputation.

You will work closely with internal departments, external partners and stakeholders to deliver engaging communications across a range of channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and deliver communications campaigns to promote council services, projects and initiatives.
• Write press releases and support media relations, including responding to media enquiries.
• Manage and promote content across the council’s social media channels.
• Support the production of videos, photographs and other digital communications content.
• Prepare responses to complaints, MP enquiries, customer enquiries and other corporate communications requests.
• Work closely with internal teams, external partners, the web team and customer services.
• Support communications projects relating to the council’s improvement and transformation programmes, particularly children’s services.
• Help protect and enhance the council’s reputation through clear, accurate and engaging communications.
• Provide communications support during emergencies and major incidents.
• Ensure all communications are delivered to agreed deadlines and within allocated budgets.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Previous experience working in a communications, public relations or corporate communications role.
• Experience planning and delivering communications campaigns.
• Strong written communication skills, including experience producing press releases and public-facing content.
• Experience managing social media communications.
• Ability to respond professionally to media, customer or stakeholder enquiries.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience building relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Previous local authority or public sector experience.
• Experience supporting communications within children’s services, education or social care.
• Experience coordinating video and photography content.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working, with 3 days per week required onsite at the Guildhall, Shrewsbury.
• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:45am–5:00pm.
• Some flexibility may be available, subject to agreement with the line manager.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Additional Requirements

• Basic DBS check required.
• Candidates must be able to travel to the Shrewsbury office as required.