Senior Communications and Engagement Officer

Benefits:

Salary:  £38,626 – £43,693 per annum, Grade 5

Hours:  Full Time – 37 hours per week

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Excellent annual leave allowance of 28 days, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available

Other information about our benefits can be found here

An excellent opportunity has arisen within Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) for a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer to join the team on a 12-month fixed term contract or as a secondment opportunity.

You will be responsible for delivering a proactive and effective communications service in support of RBFRS’ strategic commitments and vision.

About you:

As the Senior Communications and Engagement Officer, you will be critical in delivering the Communications and Engagement Strategy Action Plan, driving change and improvements across the function. As part of the team, you will develop and participate in all communications activities, including working with stakeholders within and outside the organisation, while promoting high levels of engagement and advocacy to deliver a service which reflects contemporary best practice.

The key focus of this role (Key Responsibilities and Deliverables) is:

• Liaise with the media and manage queries and supporting requests for data, pictures and information in a timely manner.
• Lead the delivery of the Communications and Engagement Strategy Action Plan with other team members, colleagues and the Senior Leadership Team to plan, deliver and evaluate effective internal and external communications and engagement initiatives which support the corporate vision and objectives.
• Manage the RBFRS social media presence, including the sourcing and updating of content, monitoring of activity, evaluating impact and dealing with any customer enquiries.
• Act as the project manager for communication and engagement work streams of assigned strategic projects and programmes with other team members and colleagues from across the organisation.
• Provide professional guidance and advice on strategic communication and reputational matters to the Senior Leadership Team and develop communication strategies and plans accordingly.
• Manage the planning and content management of the RBFRS website and intranet in line with accessibility regulations.
• Manage and uphold RBFRS’ brand across all channels both internally and externally.
• Deputise for the Communications and Engagement Manager where required to ensure the delivery of the Communication and Engagement Strategy and elements of the Corporate Services’ Service Plan.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

• A good understanding of communications and engagement theory and practice
• Prior experience managing people, ability to teach, coach and develop others
• A background of working within a communications/PR/journalism /internal communications role
• High standard of written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads
• Knowledge of social media and web-based communications channels for business use
• Ability to make decisions within own area of responsibility, demonstrating strategic thinking skills
• A methodical approach with the ability to accurately undertake detailed work.

Application and selection process

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply Now.

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check,

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.   

For further details about the role or to simply discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with our recruitment process please contact Jo Watson, Communications and Engagement Manager at watsonj@rbfrs.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CVs without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 9am on Friday, 6 December 2024.

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run week commencing 9 December 2024.

Anticipated start date:  January 2025

Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Our Commitments:

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity.  All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

To find out more: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via this link.