Community storytelling to support a lasting legacy
Clear, engaging communication has never mattered more. As people consume information in more ways than ever before, we need to cut through the noise and help our communities stay informed, connected and confident.
Cotswold District Council is part of a once in a generation opportunity to reshape local government in Gloucestershire. While we help shape that future, we're also delivering important work right now: from updating the district’s Local Plan – planning for new, affordable homes – to introducing a greener waste fleet, supporting residents with the cost of living, and working with partners to strengthen community health and wellbeing.
We’re looking for an experienced and energetic Communications Manager to help tell these stories, build trust, and support our communities through change.
About the role
This is a key role in our communications team, leading strategic communications that promote the council’s priorities and protect and enhance its reputation.
You will deliver proactive, high-quality communications across media, digital and social channels, while strengthening engagement with residents, businesses, partners and staff. Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll provide expert advice and guide a small team to deliver effective, insight driven campaigns and communications activity.
We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, combines creativity with strategic thinking, and is motivated by making a real difference to people’s lives.
We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time or part time hours.
You will be:
- A self-starter who can work independently and deliver results
- Comfortable managing priorities and delivering high-quality work at pace
- An excellent communicator with strong writing and storytelling skills
- Experienced in media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement
- Able to align with the council’s values of putting communities first, working as one team, being business focussed, and set up for success.
- Skilled at planning and delivering campaigns across multiple channels
- Able to guide and motivate a small team to deliver strong outcomes
You’ll also have a strong understanding of how communications can support organisational priorities and build trust with communities.
You will need
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage teams and coordinate complex projects.
- Ability to analyse data and apply insights to improve performance
- A passion for using communications to make a positive impact on communities.
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
Closing date: Sunday 29th March
Interview Date: Wednesday 8th April and Thursday 9th April
Special Conditions
- You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service.
- There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Politically restricted postholders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
- BPSS Check
What can we do for you
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
- An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice
- A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements