Description:
We are looking to offer a Communications Business Partner the exciting opportunity to join the Colchester City Council Communications and Marketing Team.
As an essential member of the team, you will work closely with a team of Communications Business Partners – led by the Senior Communications Business Partner - and other members of the wider team to deliver effective and efficient communications and marketing plans supporting the needs of the council. You should have an understanding of how local government works and be passionate about communicating positive messages. Being confident, approachable and working to tight deadlines is essential. Does this sound like a role for you? Read more…
The Opportunity
As a Communications Business Partner, you will partner with internal clients across a number of council business areas, providing strategic expertise to support service priorities as well as protecting the reputation of the Council with effective communications and marketing activity. You will influence and provide strategic communications advice to Strategic Directors, Heads of Service, and project managers to help them achieve business targets, key project outcomes and cultural change.
Accountabilities
- Provide specialist communications support to customers including Strategic Directors, Heads of Service, and project managers to achieve business targets, organisational goals, and Communications and Marketing Strategies in accordance with the Strategic Plan, performance targets and cultural change.
- Guide, own and manage service area relationships in a positive and collaborative way to ensure delivery is timely and meets campaign objectives. To manage specific projects as may be allocated from time to time, using the appropriate project management methodology.
- Ensure effective planning of communications activity to support the business priorities of customers, including working closely with the other members of the Communications team.
- Influence service areas to focus on greater effectiveness, improved efficiency, digital first, self-serve, and prioritisation.
- Pro-actively learn and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the business needs of customers and the Council’s strategic priorities and ensure communications and marketing plans show ROI and include relevant commercial focus.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of communications and marketing developments and innovations, including liaising with media organisations and third-party suppliers, to be able to identify and advise about appropriate solutions for customers.
- Write clear, impactful communications to publicise projects and campaigns within the service area, including press releases, e-newsletter content, copy for both print and digital communications solutions.
- Manage any issues pro-actively to ensure solutions are found and implemented. Demonstrate an open and approachable work style which promotes continual improvement and learning. Develop appropriate relationships to make this happen, ensuring excellent communication is upheld.
- Ensure that the Council’s Communications and Marketing Policies and Procedures are implemented within each service area and that any issues arising are managed with appropriate managers.
- Develop positive working relations with the local media and industry press; work with the External Communications officer to ensure media enquiries are dealt with; and implement and deliver an annual plan of press releases and positive news stories.
- Compliance with our data protection policies and procedures to ensure that personal data is handled in an appropriate manner – safely and securely.
The Experience You Will Bring
You should:
- Have a strong all-round communications background, with a flair for writing press releases and developing and delivering communications plans.
- Have a clear understanding of the commercial impact communications can have.
- Be skilled at developing innovative and creative solutions.
- Understand working within a political or business environment.
- Have a proven track record of delivering timely, practical, innovative, and creative communication solutions.
- Be able to demonstrate experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating the impact of communications plans.