Please note this is a 10 month fixed term contract with a view to extend on a short term basis.

There will be a two stage interview process. The first stage will be held week commencing 12th October, and the second stage will be held week commencing 19th September.

The opportunity

The Communications and Marketing Manager role is a pivotal role in establishing the corporate Communications and Marketing department as a centre of excellence. Reporting to the Head of Profession for Communications and Marketing and working alongside other management colleagues you will be responsible for development and delivery of the department's annual delivery plan and associated operational budget as well as having oversight of the strategic approach of two communications disciplines - external communications and internal communications.

The role will include championing these disciplines throughout the organisation across the entire range of council services and activities, including providing solid advice and guidance to senior leaders, devising overarching programme strategies and advising on resourcing these requirements.

Alongside this you will be responsible for the professional development and line management of the two specialist teams within the department responsible for the corporate delivery of external and internal activity. You will be accountable for the successful delivery of our Communications and Marketing Strategy by these two teams, increasing engagement with key audiences and communities via external channels, including the local, regional and national media, and our own corporate communication channels.

You will lead the review and analysis of activity and own the production of regular strategic reports for activity across all channels.

You will work with management team members to develop a consultative support offer to other communications professionals outside the corporate team. You will also work with management team members to launch and embed a new Communications and Marketing supplier framework.

Crucially, you will need to work flexibly and collaboratively across structural boundaries in support of key outcomes.

Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience, you will have a track record of successfully line-managing and leading communications teams.

You will have experience developing, resourcing, implementing and reviewing departmental work and budget plans.

You will have a good track record of devising and implementing communications plans and strategies at all levels for large, complex organisations, including media relations, employee communications, and the planning, delivery and evaluation of content in line with strategies and workplans.

You will have substantial experience in issues management and crisis communications (ideally relating to sensitive people issues) and in the development of strategic communication and stakeholder plans for complex transformation and service change programmes.

You will also have experience in providing advice and consultancy both at a strategic and tactical level, be adaptable and adept at working in a fast-moving environment that relies on real-time communications. You will embrace change and have a growth mindset.

About us

At Essex County Council we have a vision to be a county where innovation brings prosperity and we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents.

With a total workforce of around 7,500, Essex County Council is one of the largest county councils in the country and we truly believe our greatest asset is our people. They are fundamentally key to our current and future success.

For a full list of accountabilities and the knowledge, skills and experience we're looking for please view the full role profile here

Apply and next steps

Please apply via the Working for Essex website, ensuring you upload an up to date CV and supporting statement when prompted.

Applications are required to be submitted by 07/10/2020