Communications Assistant
Fixed Term, Full Time
£23,344 up to £25,679 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
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, including 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 to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air quality, reduce waste, and increase 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 various 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 managing 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, along with administrative tasks as needed.
Accountabilities
* Support the Programme Communications Officers in the preparation of content for a range of newsletters.
* Undertake market research to support the Environment and Climate Action team’s campaigns and maintain contact and other databases relating to climate action.
* Prepare PowerPoint presentations to deliver to key target audiences.
* 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.
* Support the drafting of articles and press releases to help raise awareness and the benefits of climate change action.
* Attend and take minutes at meetings when required.
* Assist the Programme Communications Officers with writing Council Member and MP enquiry responses, social media content plans, and arrangements for PR activity.
* Support the development of written and filmed case studies of Commissioners and other stakeholders on climate change-related matters.
* Develop photography and videography to use as content on social media channels.
* Help to develop the presence of climate action information on social media by identifying potential content for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
* Bid writing for climate-related funding opportunities.
* Support ECC’s network for young students – the Essex Schools’ Climate Action Network.
* Any other duties as required by the Communications Manager to support the delivery of communications.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Educated to at least A level with a qualification in marketing, communications, digital & social media, or an environmental or politics-related field or equivalent by experience.
* Carbon literacy accreditation.
* 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.
* Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint knowledge. An understanding of other relevant software applications such as image or video editing, mapping, or profiling software.
* Experience of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite programmes.
* Competent user of social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).
* Experience of using social media management platforms such as Hootsuite and experience of website editing using a content management system would be a bonus.
* Ability to work creatively and effectively, including the ability to design and manage a range of situations and issues; very organised with good attention to detail.
* An interest in and knowledge of climate change and related environmental issues.
To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services
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 Everyone's Essex. 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 Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC), should your role require a DBS check, you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
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 The Essex Talent Community
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email christine.simmons@essex.gov.uk
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