Head of Communications (Interim)

Please note this is a fixed term opportunity (inside IR35) for a period of 6 months, with up to 36.25 working hour per week. This role offers the flexibility of Hybrid working, with the expectation of being in the office 2 days per week., Basildon have an exciting interim opportunity for a Head of Communications who will shape our relationships with residents, businesses, key stakeholders, and government. We have an exciting agenda of policy developments, all of which need to be effectively communicated.

You will play a critical role in positioning our brand to convey the ambition, drive and energy that encapsulates our new Administration. Working closely with senior politicians, we want to influence at the most senior level of government to win investment into our borough.

You will be astute at handling the democratic interface and in stakeholder management generally and have substantial experience of mixed economy delivery methods, effective partnership working and proven experience or managing staff and budgets.,

• Serve as the principal advisor on all public affairs, communications, and events, both internal and external, supporting the Assistant Director Policy, Partnerships and Communications, senior management, and elected Members.


• Ensure the delivery of high-performing, customer-focused communications, events, and public affairs services to achieve the Council's objectives and manage the Basildon brand effectively.


• Build and maintain effective partnerships with communication leads in various organisations to better respond to communication challenges.


• Stay updated on portfolio-related topics to advise on and implement policies, strategies, and high standards of communication practices.


• Develop and implement a corporate communications and events strategy, ensuring compliance with legal requirements related to information, publicity, and promotion.


• Oversee media relations and public affairs, handling high-profile issues, crises, emergencies, and sensitive matters.


• Manage the communications team budget, ensure value for money, and explore opportunities to generate income to support council services and activities.


• Ensure compliance with data protection laws, manage information assets responsibly, and fulfil the Council's Freedom of Information Act 2000 obligations while maintaining a commitment to Health and Safety legislation and Equal Opportunities framework.
  
  Possession of a professional qualification in marketing, communications, or public relations, along with membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., CIPR, CIM)


• Extensive experience in communications management within a large organisation, including implementing successful communication strategies, and managing relationships and stakeholders in political environments.


• Comprehensive knowledge of communication channels, evaluation techniques, traditional, broadcast, and social media, along with a deep understanding of communication challenges facing local authorities and public bodies, local government operations, and collaborative goal achievement.


• Shows evidence of clear analytical thinking. Gets to the heart of complex problems and issues and applies own expertise effectively.


• Plans ahead and works in a systematic and organised way. Follows directions and procedures. Focuses on customer satisfaction and delivers a quality service or product to the agreed standards.
  
  Basildon Borough Council is one of the largest local authorities in the East of England region and serves a population of approximately 172,000 people. The town of Basildon is regarded as a key economic hub with the main areas of employment being engineering, research and development, distribution and financial services. Basildon is also the second biggest economy in the Thames Gateway, outside of Canary Wharf.


Working for Basildon Borough Council means making a practical and positive difference to the lives of people living and working in the Borough and provides a fulfilling career.

Each of our employees - whatever job role they are undertaking - can feel motivated by having a unique opportunity to use their skills to make Basildon a better place to live. Whether it is conserving our countryside, by regenerating our Borough, by housing our residents or by collecting the refuse on time.

Note: ECC are advertising this role on behalf of Basildon Council.

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors, and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation.

The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.


• 29 days annual leave (Pro - rata)


• Hybrid working


• Local government pension


• Employee discount programme


• Top specification ICT equipment