Communications Officer

 

Job Title                      :          Communications Officer

Hour                           :           37 hours per week, to be worked on a Monday to Friday, this    will also include flexible working to include weekends and evenings where necessary.

                                              

Salary                          :           NJC SCP 8 to 12:  £20,493 to £22,183

Terms                          :           37 Hours a week (will consider less hours for suitable candidate)

Permanent with a 6 months probationary period      

 

Responsible to            :           Chief Officer

 

 

 

Job Description

 

1.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

1.1

To oversee the communications on behalf of Great Dawley Town Council, allowing Great Dawley Town Council to reach a larger and more diverse audience through various channels of communication. To ensure all communication is relevant, accurate, timely and prescise.

 

2.

MAIN DUTIES

2.1

Communications

• To develop and maintain social media platforms for Great Dawley Town Council and affiliates social media channels.
• To manage the website of Great Dawley Town Council
• Manage the diary of the Mayor/ Deputy Mayor and accompany/ prepare any meetings
• Develop, implement, and manage a communications plan for Great Dawley Town Council
• Production of quarterly newsletter  
• Produce press releases and publications as and when required on behalf of Great Dawley Town Council

 

2.2

Stakeholder Management

• To be aware of the relationships with partners, residents, users and community groups within the Community.
• To work with the Borough Council and be able to highlight Borough Council initiatives within the Community.

 

 

2.3

Community Liaison

• Support local groups, volunteers and residents to maximise participation by local people and help with communication where necessary.
• To arrange communications opportunities on behalf of Great Dawley Town Council with grant recipients and local community groups.
• To assist the staff team in the production of publications relating to events in a timely manner prior to events taking place.

 

 

 

3.

CONTACTS

3.1

• Report directly to the Chief Officer.
• Work alongside current Communications Officer
• Work on joint projects/ events with Town Council staff
• Regular contact with Town Council and Borough Councillors.
• Regular contact with residents, visitors & community groups.
• Regular contact with users / hirers of the Town Council buildings
• Regular contact with officers from Telford & Wrekin Council, other partners and agencies such as IdVerde.
• Regular contact with stakeholders

 

4.

HOURS OF WORK

4.1

• The post holder will generally work Monday to Friday, hours and times as agreed with the Chief Officer, but may include evening and weekends.
• Flexible working is encouraged by Great Dawley Town Council
• Generally Great Dawley Town Council offices based at 35 High Street, Dawley and are open from 9.00 am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
• The community buildings are also open at weekends as bookings require.
• You will be required to work a number of Town Council events throughout the year, on occasion these events are held in the evenings and weekends.

 

 

Person Specification

 

 

1.

EXPERIENCE

 

 

ESSENTIAL

• Experience of using social media sites and other on-line tools including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and websites.
• Experience of website management
• Experience of managing a calendar

 

DESIRABLE

 

• At least 1 years experience in managing social media for a Town/ Parish Council
• Experience of working within a similar role.
• Experience of working for a Town/ Parish government
• Experience of producing newsletters
• Experience of liaising with suppliers to achieve desired result
•  

2.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

 

ESSENTIAL

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Customer service skills
• Ability to communicate to a wide range of partners, users, residents and staff.
• Confident and ability to work on own initiative to prioritise and deal with the changing demands of own work to achieve deadlines. 
• Ability to plan, implement and manage a communications plan.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Ability to identify priorities and effective means of delivering these.
• Awareness and understanding of situations that require confidentiality/ political awareness.
• Able to work flexible hours  -  prioritising the needs of the business.
• IT literate and ability to use a range of IT packages including Microsoft package.
• Knowledge of using and updating social media sites and tools including website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
•  

DESIRABLE

• Ability to plan and prepare Councillors for Civic duties.

 

3.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

 

ESSENTIAL

• Computer literate with a sound working knowledge of all Microsoft packages.
• Proven track record of on-going personal development with commitment to ongoing development.

 

DESIRABLE

• A suitable degree or equivalent professional qualification

 

4.

OTHER

 

• Develop good relationships with Councillors, Partners, community groups, residents and stakeholders.
• A creative approach to problem solving and working with communities to develop local solutions.
• Can demonstrate a good knowledge of Local Government
• Has a commitment to supporting and making positive change within the community.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must have a clear understanding of Equality and Diversity and a commitment to applying good practice.
• Prepared to go beyond expectations in order to raise standards and add value.
• Complete any other tasks directed by the Chief Officer to meet the business need.