Assistant Communications Officer

We're looking for a creative, organised and enthusiastic Assistant Communications Officer to join our Communications team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a career in communications. You'll support the delivery of a wide range of communications activity that helps keep residents, businesses, councillors and staff informed and engaged.

No two days are the same. One day you might be creating social media content, the next helping to promote a community campaign, assisting with the production of council publications, supporting media enquiries, or updating website content. You'll be responsible for managing our team inbox and other administration tasks too, so organisation is key!

You'll work closely with colleagues across the council, helping to tell the stories behind our services and ensuring our communications are clear, accurate and engaging.

The role presents a fantastic opportunity to join our Communications Team - working with the team to support a wide range of activities including, marketing campaigns, social media updates and monitoring, writing press releases and helping with media enquiries, updating the website, creating digital content and carrying out communications admin duties.

You will be a highly motivated, creative all-rounder with a confident can-do approach. Your excellent people skills and ability to work with all stakeholders internally and externally will mean you'll thrive being part of a high profile and visible team.

You will be a natural team-player who is supportive, flexible and resourceful and wants to gain more experience and develop their career. You will have used a variety of communications and marketing channels from social media to web to email to deliver on a range of projects and campaigns.

You will be expected to perform at level 1 accountability as explained in the job profile attached.

• Provide administrative support to the Communications team, including managing the team inbox.
• Create engaging video content for social media, websites, newsletters and other communication channels.
• Support the planning and delivery of communication campaigns and projects.
• Assist with media monitoring.
• Help maintain and update the website newsroom.
• Assist with photography, video content and digital media projects where required.
• Monitor and report on communication performance and engagement statistics.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues across the organisation to gather stories and information.

We're looking for someone who:

• At least two years' experience working in a similar role / communications background.
• Demonstrable experience of creating video content for social channels.
• Is confident using social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Can write clearly and adapt content for different audiences.
• Is creative, proactive and keen to learn.
• Has strong organisational skills and can manage multiple tasks.
• Has good attention to detail.
• Works well as part of a team and is happy building relationships with colleagues.
• Has a genuine interest in communications, marketing, PR or digital engagement.

A relevant qualification in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or a related subject would be desirable, but not essential.

Delivering clear and effective communications to the borough and within the organisation using a variety of channels. Engaging customers and gaining customer insight, helping the Council use this to shape aims, projects and services. Providing an effective marketing function to all council services and provide support to the commercialisation of services and the promotion of the borough.

Please see attached role profiles for more details on the role.

• Experience of busy Communications, PR, Marketing and Engagement environment
• Strong creative writing and verbal communication skills
• Experience of using social media for PR and marketing purposes, including social media management tools
• Demonstrable experience in producing and using a variety of media including video
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong IT and digital skills
• Able to own key professional and technical stakeholder relationships
• Quick learner with a can-do attitude
• Working knowledge of legislation and protocols
• Experience in PR, Marketing and Communications in a local authority not essential but an advantage

Guildford is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, shopping and culture set in beautiful countryside that includes the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is a thriving market town and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night time economy. The town's geographical location provides excellent transport links in all directions, London is just 30 minutes away on the train and the town is well-served by frequent bus routes and subsidised Park and Ride facilities. All of this contributes to a quality of life that attracts many people to live, work in and visit Guildford.

We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.