About the role
Cotswold District Council is undergoing an exciting transformation, making a significant shift by re-internalising services and reasserting its role.
The transformation includes prioritising the implementation of the council's People Strategy. We're prioritising our People Strategy to create a workplace culture that reflects our values, and to strengthen communication both internally and externally.
As part of this transformation, Cotswold District Council is seeking a Head of Communications to lead and drive forward a collaborative, creative, and impactful communications team and strategy.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, as our Head of Communications, you'll be implementing a ‘communication consultancy' approach to supporting the Administration and lead officers with key corporate messaging and campaigns, empowering the team and creating a positive working environment. You'll need to be focused on developing and executing robust and measurable marketing and communications strategies that align closely with the aspirations of councillors and meet the needs of residents and the district.
A focus on momentum is essential to ensure that initiatives are delivered in a timely and highly effective way. Creative thinking, innovation, and collaboration will be key for exploring new channels and approaches to reach diverse audiences and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will have a ‘can do' attitude, a desire to lead a motivated team, and a proven track record of delivering effective communication strategies in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to take both a proactive and reactive approach.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Oversee all communication activities and ensure alignment with the Council's strategic goals. Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans that support the Council's priorities, while working closely with heads of departments and council members.
- Team Management: Manage the overall budget, resources, training and development for the communications team. Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
- Stakeholder engagement: Cultivate and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
- Internal Communications: Work closely with the communications team to develop and manage effective internal communication strategies to ensure staff are motivated, informed and engaged.
- External Communications: Work closely with the communications team to oversee and execute targeted external communication campaigns for key areas such as climate, housing, supporting communities and the economy. Oversee press enquiries, media content and proactive media planning to ensure consistent and relevant media messaging.
- Digital Communications: Lead the development and management of the Council's website and social media channels. Ensure Cotswold District Council's digital presence is targeted, engaging and creative.
- Design, Print and Branding: Take ownership and drive forward Cotswold District Council's vision for a modern and cohesive brand identity. Oversee the design and production of print materials, ensuring consistency with the Council's new and refreshed brand guidelines.
You will need
- Proven experience in a senior communications role, ideally within both the private and public sector with a strong understanding and experience of utilising the wider communications mix, including internal and external communications
- Experience in consulting and engaging with employees, stakeholders and partners
- Experience in crisis communications management and media relations
- Experience in managing financial budgets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in leading, managing and developing high-performing teams
Special Conditions...
- Full UK driving licence with access to a car for work purposes
- BPSS
- This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
What can we do for you...
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years of service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
How to apply:
To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page to complete an application form and supporting statement together with your CV. Your CV will not be available to the hiring manager unless you are shortlisted for interview to assist with our non-biased screening process so please ensure you complete the application form in full.
Accredited by the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years' employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.