3 months contract with local authority Job Purpose: The communications team needs an experienced and creative communications officer, having worked in other local government comms teams, ready to hit the ground running and work within a small and agile team to deliver proactive campaigns and manage reactive media. Must be a good writer and thrive in a political environment. Key Responsibilities: Communication Strategy: Support the development and delivery of the council’s Communication Strategy. Develop and deliver key organisational messages and campaigns for external and internal audiences, embedding digital communications in everything we do. Corporate Identity: Ensure the use of the council’s corporate identity and correct use by all council staff and partners. Campaign Support: Offer support to all services in the council to ensure excellent standards for all campaigns and communications. Translate complex messages into readable and engaging copy, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Digital Communication: Utilize digital communication, including social media, to engage residents, promote stories, and raise the profile of Thurrock. Media Management: Support the delivery of a high standard, comprehensive, and integrated media management service. Efficiently distribute council media releases and, where appropriate, organize press conferences and briefings. Research and Audience Focus: Use research and knowledge about resident profiles and needs to focus messages and information for differing audiences using a range of channels. Standards and Evaluation: Support the development and maintenance of standards, procedures, protocols, performance indicators, and ways of evaluating and measuring communications, marketing activity, and media liaison. Income Generation: Support potential income generation, including sponsorship for council campaigns and events, promotion and coordination of filming locations, and identifying new opportunities. Updates and Developments: Keep up to date with changes and developments affecting the council and its communications. Crisis Communication: Support the team in crisis/emergency and high-profile communications. Some evening and weekend working may be required. Managerial Support: Deputise for Managers as needed. Requirements: Ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate marketing and communication plans and activities. Proven project management and organisational skills. Creative flair and ability to translate business needs into high-impact campaigns and communication programmes. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships across a wide range of contacts. Ability to work under pressure, determine priorities, and progress a variety of tasks. Team player, able to help deliver team goals. Politically astute, sensitive, tactful, and diplomatic. Ability to exercise discretion, judgement, and ensure confidentiality when dealing with members and officers at every level.