Senior Communications Officer
Details
- Reference: SCC/TP/295340/1212
- Positions: 1
- Salary: £24,177.60 per annum (pro rata to £40,296 FTE)
- Category: Communications
- Contract type: Fixed term
- Working hours: 21.6 hours per week
- Posted on: 4 July 2024
- Closing date: 1 August 2024
- Directorate: Chief Executive Office
- Location: Woodhatch Place,11 Cockshot Hill, Woodhatch, Reigate, RH2 8EF
Description
This role has a starting salary of £24,177.60 per annum, based on working 21.6 hours per week (pro rata to £40,296 full time equivalent).
This is a 12-month fixed term contract with potential for further opportunities after this term.
We are excited to be hiring a Senior Communications Officer to join Surrey County Council's Communication team, to support the communications function of the Surrey Local Resilience Forum. The role is offered on a part-time (approximately 3 days per week), on a hybrid basis with both office and home working. You will work with communications colleagues from our Woodhatch office in Reigate 1-2 days per week.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Blue Light Card
About the Team
Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF) is a multi-agency partnership made up of representatives from local public services, including the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, NHS England and the Environment Agency, which are all Category One Responders.
You will be working within a wider multi-disciplined communications team, with lots of opportunity for development and cross-working on a range of Surrey County Council communications. Every day is different, we look out for each other, socialise and enjoy flexible working, so you'll always feel supported.
About the Role
The Communications Executive is a newly formed group within the SLRF. It is made up of communications representatives and is aimed at reaching the public and communicating information that will keep them safe during times of crises. Whether flooding, pandemic, major fire or cyber-attack, your skills could help Surrey prepare, prevent and respond effectively to the next emergency. This new role is crucial in helping generate momentum for the Communications Executive and will take responsibility for leading on the Communications Strategy and stakeholder engagement. This role will ensure we adhere to national standards for public communication within the SLRF and will help us kickstart activity by building strong relationship across SLRF communications teams.
We are seeking an experienced communications professional to lead, nurture and facilitate the multi-agency communications efforts of the SLRF, ensuring information is effectively gathered and shared to engage the right people, at the right time, maximising public safety. This role will be line managed by the Chair of the SLRF. The current chair is Senior Communications Manager for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop strong relationships with partner communications leads and other stakeholders to support the development of warning and informing communications
- Lead on the SLRF communications strategy
- Centrally manage communications plans and toolkits to be used in the event of a major incident
- Develop and review communications procedures and protocols and ensure distribution lists and templates are up to date
- Support on the development and distribution of materials and messages to support public resilience
- Keeping the SLRF Delivery Group up to date on communications activity and forward planning
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Excellent written communication skills
- Relevant degree, NCTJ qualification or equivalent experience in a communications role
- Experience of developing and implementing communications campaigns
- Experience of crisis communications
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Maria Coyle by e-mail and/or telephone at: maria.coyle@surreycc.gov.uk, 07909118409.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/08/2024 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also attached provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
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