INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
Salary: 77,547 - 85,827
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Location: TBC
Contract: Permanent
Cumberland Council is an ambitious authority that aims to shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming them for the future. We want to create and sustain the best set of services for our communities to ensure all our residents are getting the help and support they need.
People are our strong point - in our communities and in our staff - and they are continuously the focus of our efforts.
As the Assistant Director of Communications you will develop and implement the Council’s strategic approach for effective two-way communications on behalf of the Council. This will require translating the aspirations within the Council Plan into deliverable activity that connects with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to build a strong corporate communications function that builds active relationships with the press and media and supports the council’s ambition of achieving meaningful engagement with residents and create a strong brand image and corporate voice for Cumberland.
About this opportunity
As an active member of the Extended Leadership Team you will contribute to the development of an innovative, ambitious and inclusive new Council through an ambitious, integrated and successful communications function. You will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Communications team, ensuring continuous improvement through coaching, mentoring, support and challenge to improve the service and its team members to ensure a strong customer focus.
You will work collaboratively with other teams across the council to design and develop an approach to engagement that meets the council’s aspirations as laid out in the council plan and ensures that we understand the needs of residents.
This is a particularly exciting time to join a new unitary Council as you will have the opportunity to Inspire, motivate, and develop functional leaders and staff, to create an empowering, enterprising, modern and learning culture that enables staff to perform at their best and deliver excellent services to residents as well as retain and attract the best talent for the Council.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an innovative, customer focused and experienced communications professional with a high level of political acumen that can drive our councils vision and purpose.
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch.
If you would like to find out more or have an informal conversation about this role, please contact Nik Hardy, Assistant Chief Executive – Strategy, Policy and Performance on
[email protected]
What we can offer you!
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Flexible working
- Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).
- Various perks and discounts schemes, including money off your phone contract and local gyms.
- Competitive rates of pay.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 22/06/23
Interview date: To be discussed with shortlisted applicants after the closing date.
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.
If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users, however if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews.
Safer Recruitment
Cumberland Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Cumberland Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
Please see below for further detail:
Role Profile