Communications Assistant
Fixed Term, Full Time
£23,344 up to £25,679 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Please note that this is a fixed term contract / secondment opportunity for a period of 24 months.
The Opportunity
The Essex Climate Action Commission is an independent body which was set up to advise Essex about tackling climate change.
The Commission has over 30 members. They include local councillors, academics, businesspeople and two members of the Young Essex Assembly. Find out more about the commissioners from their biographies on the Commission’s website.
The Environment and Climate Action communications team supports the work of the Commission in addition to the climate action work of Essex County Council. The team is working with other Essex local councils and public sector organisations as well as with individuals, businesses and schools to identify ways where we can mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air quality, reduce waste and increase the amount of green infrastructure and biodiversity across the Greater Essex geography.
Working as part of the Environment and Climate Action communications team and reporting to the Communications Manager, the postholder will support the production and delivery of climate change-related communications to key internal and external stakeholders, partners and the public using a variety of channels. These include but are not limited to press releases, emails, newsletters, the Commission’s website and social media, as well as face-to face presentations and attending in person engagement events. The postholder will play a key role in supporting the management of responses to customer enquiries received by the Commission and the Environment and Climate Action team from members of the public and external stakeholders.
The postholder may also be required to undertake routine tasks to support the Commission’s governance activities such as Commission meetings, programme boards and steering boards and administrative tasks as required.
Accountabilities
1. Support the Programme Communications Officers in the preparation of content for a range of newsletters.
2. Undertake market research to support the Environment and Climate Action team’s campaigns and maintain contact and other databases relating to climate action.
3. Prepare PowerPoint presentations to deliver to key target audiences.
4. Support and attend virtual and in person events (including some evening and weekend working) and engage face-to-face or online with members of the public and stakeholders.
5. Support the drafting of articles and press releases to help raise awareness and the benefits of climate change action.
6. Attend and take minutes at meetings when required.
7. Assist the Programme Communications Officers with writing Council Member and MP enquiry responses, social media content plans and arrangements for PR activity.
8. Support the development of written and filmed case studies of Commissioners and other stakeholders on climate change related matters.
9. Develop photography and videography to use as content on social media channels
10. Help to develop the presence of climate action information on social media by identifying potential content forTwitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Linked In.
11. Bid writing for climate related funding opportunities
12. Supporting ECC’s network for young students – the Essex Schools’ Climate Action Network
13. Any other duties as required by the Communications Manager to support the delivery of communications.
The Experience You Will Bring
14. Educated to at least A level with a qualification in marketing, communications or digital & social media or an environmental or politics related field or equivalent by experience.
15. Carbon literacy accreditation.
16. Advanced skills in written and in person communication. Confident in engaging with a broad variety of stakeholders at different levels via a range of channels.
17. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint knowledge. An understanding of other relevant software applications such as image or video editing, mapping or profiling software.
18. Experience of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite programmes.
19. Competent user of social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn).
20. Experience of using social media management platforms such as Hootsuite and experience of website editing using a content management system would be a bonus.
21. Ability to work creatively and effectively and including the ability to design and manage a range of situations and issues; very organised with good attention to detail.
22. An interest in and knowledge of climate change and related environmental issues.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join
Downloads
| | |