Smokefree communications, marketing, and behavioural science officer

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced communications, marketing, and behavioural science officer to join our Health and Care Public Health Team within the Healthy and Sustainable Communities Directorate. The Health and Care Public Health Team is responsible for improving the health and wellbeing of the population of North Somerset and reducing health inequalities.

In this role, you will lead and coordinate the integration of communications, marketing, and behavioural science principles and approaches into smoking cessation initiatives across the South West of England, in collaboration with Tobacco Control Leads and teams from all 13 local authorities in the region. You will be responsible for developing a regional workplan – co-produced with Tobacco Control Leads and teams across the region and agreed upon by the Association of Directors of Public Health, South West (SW ADPH). You will lead its implementation and monitoring, aiming to increase the number of people engaging with effective interventions to stop smoking and ultimately reducing smoking prevalence. Additionally, you will enhance consistency in tobacco control communications and marketing across the region by aligning efforts based on behavioural science principles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and coordination of regional communications, marketing, and behavioural science initiatives to support tobacco control, using a project management approach and informed by behavioural insights.
• Adapt and deliver national smokefree campaigns for regional audiences across multiple channels, ensuring alignment with local needs and consistency in messaging. Support the development and distribution of effective communications materials.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders including local authorities, Office of Health Inequalities & Disparities (OHID), NHS partners, charities such as Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK), and others to ensure a unified, evidence-based approach to tobacco control communications and maximise impact across the South West.
• Assess workforce capabilities, support training and development, and promote the use of behavioural science tools and resources among regional teams to strengthen the delivery of smokefree initiatives.
• Lead the evaluation of campaign effectiveness, contribute to applied research, and manage regional budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources while supporting continuous improvement and securing additional funding where needed.

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Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• Mobile/Field Worker
• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about communications, marketing, and behavioural science, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to Master’s level in communications, media, behavioural science (e.g. psychology, behavioural economics) or a related field, with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Significant experience applying behavioural science approaches and tools (e.g. Behaviour Change Wheel), including designing, evaluating, and commissioning behavioural interventions.
• Strong understanding of strategic communications, social marketing, and campaign planning, with the ability to translate complex health information into accessible, engaging content.
• Proven ability to use qualitative and quantitative data to inform and evaluate interventions, conduct behavioural analysis, and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders across sectors and levels, including managing teams and delivering training or presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong planning and organisational ability, and confidence working in politically sensitive or high-profile contexts.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and resilient, with a commitment to equality and the ability to work independently, manage competing demands, and travel as required.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience applying behavioural insights in real-world settings, preferably within local authorities or other public sector organisations (e.g. NHS), with evidence of service improvement or cost-effectiveness.
• Proven ability to work with elected members and senior stakeholders, demonstrating political awareness and sensitivity in the design and delivery of behaviour change initiatives.
• Strong background in media and campaign development, including experience working with external agencies, responding to media enquiries, and delivering regionally tailored communications.
• Practical experience in research, evaluation, and project delivery, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and communicating findings through reports, training, or professional presentations.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Paul Okediji, Public Health Specialty Registrar, at Paul.Okediji@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated.  We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.