Communications Officer

 Location: London - Home-based or based at your current HRA office

Duration: 6 months with potential extension

Pay Rate: £23.97 PAYE holiday pay inclusive 

Start date: 7th December 
 Job Type: Temporary
 Hours: Monday-Friday 37.5 hours 
 

Job summary

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Communications Officer to join the Communications team within the Policy and Partnerships Directorate of a public sector organisation.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of high-quality internal and external communications, producing engaging content across a range of digital platforms. Responsibilities will include managing social media accounts, writing news stories and newsletters, updating website and intranet content, responding to stakeholder enquiries and supporting wider communications projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive communications professional with strong writing, editorial and digital skills who can manage competing priorities and deliver effective communications to a variety of audiences.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the communications team inbox, coordinating responses to internal and external enquiries and escalating media-related queries where appropriate.
• Manage and publish content across the organisation's social media channels, including responding to comments and monitoring media coverage.
• Write, edit and produce engaging communications, news stories and articles for internal and external audiences.
• Plan, organise and schedule digital content across multiple communication channels.
• Design social media graphics using Canva, ensuring consistency with the organisation's visual identity.
• Update and maintain website and intranet content using content management systems (CMS).
• Support the production and distribution of internal and external newsletters.
• Ensure digital content is accessible, accurate, engaging and appropriate for different audiences.
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on communications, proofreading, house style, accessibility and the effective use of digital channels.
• Gather and analyse digital performance data using tools such as Google Analytics to support KPI reporting.
• Support the organisation of internal communications activities, including staff newsletters and monthly all-staff video conferences.
• Coordinate communications projects and contribute to improvements across website and intranet content.
• Support staff network groups in promoting awareness days and organisational events.
• Raise purchase order requisitions and provide general support to the wider communications team.

Essential requirements

• A professional qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline (e.g. Degree, CAM, CIM or CIPR), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Excellent written and editorial skills, with experience producing content for different audiences and communication channels.
• Experience writing press releases, undertaking media monitoring and responding to media enquiries.
• Practical experience using content management systems (CMS) to update websites and intranets.
• Experience managing organisational social media accounts, including creating tailored content, designing graphics and responding to comments.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to simplify complex information into clear, accessible and engaging content.
• Experience managing multiple projects and working to competing deadlines.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive and collaborative approach.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable requirements

• Understanding of digital accessibility standards and experience making online content accessible.
• Experience working within a complex organisation or navigating a political environment.
• Experience using Canva and Google Analytics.

Working arrangements

The role is full-time and can be undertaken remotely from home or based at your current HRA office. The post holder will primarily attend online meetings, with occasional face-to-face meetings and events as required.