Media and Campaigns Officer

4 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality communications, media relations and campaign support for the Council, delivering effective communications advice, planning and implementation across a range of services, policies, projects and priorities.

The postholder will develop, deliver and evaluate integrated communications and marketing campaigns, manage media enquiries, support reputation management, and provide professional communications advice to Members, senior officers and partners. The role will play a key part in ensuring residents, stakeholders and communities are informed, engaged and connected through the Council’s communication channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate integrated communications and marketing campaigns to support Council priorities, services, policies and initiatives.
  
• Provide day-to-day communications support, planning and advice to Council services and directorates.
  
• Act as the communications account manager for assigned directorates and services.
  
• Produce proactive communications plans and strategies based on audience insight and organisational objectives.
  
• Monitor local, regional and national news developments and advise on issues that may impact the Council, its services or communities.
  
• Manage and respond to media enquiries promptly, professionally and within agreed deadlines.
  
• Build and maintain positive relationships with journalists, media organisations and key external stakeholders.
  
• Draft press releases, media statements, briefing notes, speeches, articles, web content and other communications materials.
  
• Deliver effective media management during sensitive, high-profile and crisis situations.
  
• Identify and manage reputational risks and advise on appropriate communications responses.
  
• Support the Council’s press office function, including participation in the media rota system.
  
• Participate in the out-of-hours emergency communications and media response rota, providing support when required.
  
• Create engaging content across a range of digital communication channels, including social media, websites, newsletters and internal communications platforms.
  
• Ensure communications content is accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with Council branding and messaging.
  
• Provide communications advice and support to senior managers, elected Members and partner organisations.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues across Marketing, Communications, Digital and Engagement teams to maximise reach and impact.
  
• Monitor campaign performance and produce reports evaluating effectiveness and return on investment.
  
• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement across communications activities.
  
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organisations, partners and stakeholders.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Experience developing and delivering successful communications strategies and campaign plans.
  
• Experience working within communications, public relations, media relations, marketing or corporate communications.
  
• Strong understanding of media management and press office operations.
  
• Experience handling media enquiries and managing reputational issues.
  
• Experience delivering digital communications across multiple channels.
  
• Proven ability to create engaging and effective content for diverse audiences.
  
• Experience providing communications advice to senior managers, elected members or stakeholders.
  
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively.
  
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
  
• Experience evaluating campaign outcomes using insight, analytics and performance measures.
  
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
  
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles in communications.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within Local Government or the Public Sector.
  
• Knowledge of political environments and local authority governance structures.
  
• Experience managing crisis communications or emergency planning communications.
  
• Experience using social media management, analytics and content creation tools.
  
• Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) qualification or equivalent communications qualification.
  
• Experience delivering behavioural change, public information or community engagement campaigns.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of Local Government services, structures and challenges.
  
• Ability to identify, assess and manage reputational risks.
  
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
  
• Ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
  
• Understanding of diverse communities and inclusive communications practices.
  
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
  
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in fast-paced and demanding environments.
  
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret audience insight and campaign data.
  
• Creative thinking and innovative approach to communications delivery.
  

Additional Information

• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Location: Lewisham - Hybrid Working / Council Offices
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments