Communications and Engagement Officer - Local Government Reorganisation

We’re looking for an experienced and creative communications professional to play a key role in one of the most significant changes to local government in Kent and Medway.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will transform how services are delivered across the region, creating a small number of new unitary councils to replace the current structure. This is a high-profile, complex programme of change that will impact residents, staff, councillors and partners—and effective communication and engagement will be critical to its success.

In this role, you will lead the strategic development and delivery of communications and engagement activity for Medway Council to support the reorganisation. Working collaboratively with councils across Kent and Medway, you will ensure clear, consistent and timely messaging, helping diverse audiences understand the changes and what they mean for them.

You’ll bring strong experience in stakeholder engagement, media relations and change communications, with the ability to manage complex issues and build trust with a wide range of internal and external audiences. You’ll also develop and maintain a robust stakeholder engagement approach, ensuring the right messages reach the right people through the right channels.

If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working on high-impact programmes, and is passionate about making communication meaningful and effective, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Celia Glynn-Williams on 07525 225315.

Interviews will be held in person. Full details on how this will work will be sent to you, if your application is successfully shortlisted.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking a Communications & Engagement Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information-

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
• Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
• For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
• Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.