This vacancy is only open to North Somerset Council employees and agency workers contracted to North Somerset Council. An internal secondment for existing North Somerset Council Staff would be considered. Please ensure you have the permission of your line manager before applying. About Us North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community. The Role We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Communication and engagement officer (OSNEL Projects to join our Natural Environment Team. The Natural Environment Team are responsible for managing North Somerset Council-owned trees and the rights of way network, responding to planning applications and delivering the Council's Green Infrastructure Strategy. In this role, you will be responsible for; Engagement of and participation with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery of project milestones for the Great North Somerset Bat Project (GNSBP) and delivery of the engagement and promotion elements of the Public Rights of Way (PROW) components of North Somerset Physical Activity Strategy. Key Responsibilities: Undertake research and information gathering to engage with the target audiences and make recommendations about which communication channels and messages are likely to work best for each project. Develop targeted and coordinated communications activities to meet these objectives using appropriate channels and messages. Draft communications on behalf of key project stakeholders within the agreed corporate style and publish/circulate when agreed. Put in place evaluation measures to assess the effectiveness of activities, and provide feedback on outcomes to others through formal reporting, or work with them so they are able to evaluate activities themselves. Design a programme for a series of events and promotional activities to publicise project aims and achievements and embed interest and engagement with future strategies. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. This position is currently based at our Castlewood offices in Clevedon. Please be advised that this office will be closed by 2025. Consultation is currently underway to determine the new location for colleagues based in Castlewood. This will be at Weston-super-Mare or within North Somerset. Work Style At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: 2-3 days in the office Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand. Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration. About You We are looking for an individual who is passionate about communications and engagement, and who possesses the following skills and experience: Essential Criteria: Degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience of working in a marketing and / or communications role. Ability to listen to and ask appropriate questions to understand objectives, and advise on and deliver activities, at times being able to persuade service area to follow your professional judgement. Experience of using MS Office products, social media, web content editing and able to adapt quickly to using new software. Able to research, develop, deliver and monitor communications and marketing activities - including writing communications plans, and reporting on their effectiveness. Ability to manage/organise own work to meet agreed deadlines. Excellent standards of writing to suit the audience with attention to detail and strong visual presentation skills. Desirable Criteria: Experience of working with senior officers and / or members, partner organisations and the media and able to develop and maintain positive working relationships. Up to date knowledge of digital channels and professional standards What We Offer At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer: Competitive salary and benefits Flexible working arrangements Local Government Pension Opportunities for professional development Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet. How to Apply If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Contact Information For further information about the role, please contact Esther Coffin-Smith, Natural Environment Manager, at esther.coffin-smithn-somerset.gov.uk or 07385 039453. Important Information As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: Wednesday 22 January 2025. Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK. Equal Opportunities At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.