Communications Officer

Shape the conversation in one of the UK's most influential cities.

Cambridge is one of the world's best-known cities. It's a place of innovation, culture and ambition – and it's also a city facing some of the biggest opportunities and challenges in local government.

From delivering new council homes and tackling climate change to supporting thriving communities and shaping the future of one of the fastest-growing places in the country, we're looking for someone who can help tell those stories.

We're looking for an experienced Communications Officer to join our high-performing Communications & Engagement Team.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a busy, forward-thinking organisation where your advice, ideas and creativity will have a real impact. You'll work alongside senior leaders, councillors and colleagues across the council, helping deliver communications that build trust, encourage engagement and support better outcomes for our communities.

If you're curious, creative and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where every day is different, we'd love to hear from you.

Why this role?

This isn't a role where you'll spend every day writing press releases.

You'll be advising senior colleagues, developing campaigns, creating digital content, managing media enquiries, supporting consultations, helping communicate major projects and responding to fast-moving issues.

Some days you'll be producing social media content from an event or filming a short video. Others you'll be advising on a sensitive issue, launching a campaign that reaches thousands of residents or helping colleagues communicate complex policy in a way that everyone can understand.

No two days are the same.

You'll also be part of a supportive team rota covering media enquiries and social media, including occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays when required.

About you

We're looking for someone who's as comfortable thinking strategically as they are writing a news story or filming a social media reel.

You'll probably have experience in communications, public relations, journalism or marketing and enjoy finding creative ways to tell important stories.

A professional qualification in communications, journalism or marketing (such as CIPR, PRCA or CIM) is welcome but isn't essential if you can demonstrate the right experience.

If you fit the role, we would love to hear from you. Please use tell us how you meet these nine points in your personal statement, share examples of your work where you can.

In addition we offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods and, where applicable, recognised through Digital Badges
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme(LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
• Agile and Flexible working options
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave
• Family friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays
• Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform
• Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony
• Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role
• Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home & Electronics
• Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
• Free swimming at CCC swimming pools
• Subsidy for public transport
• Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
• Annually negotiated pay and award progression

Hours: This is a full-time role, for 37 hours per week.

Although the role is advertised as full time, if you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please do get in touch.

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Contract: Fixed Term - 18-months

Salary: £41,771- £47,181 per annum (City Pay Band 6), pro rata for part time.

Location: This is flexible – working in Cambridge on site or at one of our offices or working from home. You will be able to balance your work location accordingly.

You will be expected to join fortnightly in-person meetings in our city centre offices, as well as to attend other events and meetings as required.

More Information:

You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitment or Our People & Culture Strategy.

If you would like an informal chat, please contact Hannah Coetsee E-mail Hannah.Coetsee@cambridge.gov.uk

Application Process:

To be considered for this role, please click ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application.

If you are an internal candidate you can apply by logging in to your Employee Self-Serve (ESS) and access the ‘Useful Links’ (top right of the dashboard, under the person icon) and click on ‘CCC Job Opportunities’.

Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.