Mon-Thur - 9am-5pm (4 days per week)

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Service Delivery
1.1. Support the delivery of all functions of a busy press office, acting as the first port of call for all incoming and outgoing media relations activity, upholding and protecting the image and reputation of Council at all times.

1.2 Support delivery of all day-to-day proactive media relations work, including writing press releases, identifying positive news stories and organising press launches, press briefings and photocalls concerning Council's business.

1.3 Competently handle reactive media, dealing with press queries and comments received in relation to Council activities and ensure they are brought to the attention of the relevant departments for timely response in a target-driven environment.
1.4 Stay abreast of Council's major projects and the work of Council's Standing Committees with a view to identifying potential items of media interest.
1.5 Co-ordinate all media invitations on behalf of Council and facilitate media familiarisation trips or similar opportunities as they arise.
1.6 Support the delivery of a range of relevant and engaging communications and media relations plans in support of Council services, projects, initiatives and wider strategies.
1.7 Support the Communications and Media Relations Officer to keep informed of media developments, establish stakeholder networks and progress with identified opportunities.
1.8 Support the Communications and Media Relations Officer to create engaging content for social media.
1.9 Effectively handle dynamic and fast-moving social media issues and carry out agile emergency and crisis communications planning as necessary, in conjunction with the Communications and Media Relations Officer.
1.10 Attend Committee Meetings, when required, to identify and record any communications or media issues that may arise during the meeting proceedings.
2. Quality
2.1 Adhere to and comply with all Council policies and procedures relevant to this role, including arrangements for risk management.
3. Performance Improvement
3.1 Participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the Department Business Plan and relevant Service Plans responding to changing trends and citizen needs.
3.2 Achieve high standards of personal performance, through meeting agreed personal targets and undertaking planned programmes of professional development.
3.3 Examine opportunities to gain efficiencies and improve effectiveness including collaborative partnerships, joint working and other innovative approaches to achieve best value in the use of public money.
4. General Management
4.1 Promote and ensure equality of opportunity, good relations and diversity in service delivery and employment by adhering to the Council's Equal Opportunities in Employment policies and procedures and avoiding all forms of discrimination both as an employer and a service provider.
4.2 Ensure that the Council meets its Health and Safety obligations and appropriate arrangements are developed and implemented to ensure compliance with Council's Health and Safety Policy and associated procedures and assure the safety of the workforce and service users.
4.3 Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff reporting to him/her in accordance with procedures laid down by the Council.
4.4 Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Council.
4.5 Investigate and prepare reports in line with the Council Complaints Policy.
4.6 Assist the Head of Service in ensuring the Council meets all statutory obligations and ensure that the highest standards of probity and good conduct are maintained at all times.
4.7 Ensure that staff within your control are aware of Council Policies and Procedures and provide information and guidance as required to ensure their compliance.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA;

Applicants must have a minimum of a degree qualification in journalism, communications, public relations or a related discipline

AND

Be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples that they have at least two years' experience in the field of Journalism, Communications or Public Relations.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate two years' experience in the following areas:-

* Proven experience of working in a high volume environment in journalism, communications or public relations for an organisation or media group.
* A track record of developing and delivering successful targeted communications activities to engage a wide range of target audiences, delivering and evaluating results against clear objectives.
* Proven experience of effective use of social media to deliver positive outcomes for an organisation

Alternatively consideration may be given to candidates who do not possess the required educational qualification but who can demonstrate four years' experience in the field of Journalism, Communications or Public Relations.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate four years' experience in the following areas:-

* Proven experience of working in a high volume environment in journalism, communications or public relations for an organisation or media group.
* A track record of developing and delivering successful targeted communications activities to engage a wide range of target audiences, delivering and evaluating results against clear objectives.
* Proven experience of effective use of social media to deliver positive outcomes for an organisation

1. A full current driving licence valid in the UK and access to a vehicle

or

2. Have access to a form of transport that enables you to carry out the duties of the post .

(Closing Date Mon 9th May 4pm)