Dorset Council
Senior Communications Officer
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We have 2 exciting opportunities in Dorset Council's award-nominated communications and marketing team.
Not all communications roles are the same
At Dorset Council, our Communications and Marketing team is helping tackle some of Dorset's biggest opportunities and challenges; from behaviour change and climate action, to regeneration, economic growth and community engagement.
We're looking for experienced communications and marketing professionals to join our growing team. Whether your background is in local government, an agency, the private sector, a charity or another organisation, we're interested in hearing from people who can combine strategic thinking, creativity and strong delivery.
You'll be joining a team that is ambitious, supportive and already gaining national recognition. This year we were shortlisted for a Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Excellence Award for our Home Habitats campaign, which used behavioural insight, creativity and audience understanding to help residents take action on home energy improvements. The campaign significantly exceeded its target for engagement and is now being highlighted as an example of innovative public sector communications.
About The Opportunities
We are recruiting to 2 Senior Communications Officer roles. Both roles sit within our Communications and Marketing service and offer the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to Dorset's residents, communities and businesses.
Senior Communications Officer (campaigns and marketing)
This role is ideal for a marketing professional who enjoys turning complex challenges into compelling campaigns.
You'll lead the development and delivery of strategic marketing and public information campaigns that raise awareness, influence behaviour and support council priorities. Working as part of our campaigns and marketing team, you'll help shape campaign briefs, gather audience insight, develop creative approaches and deliver activity across multiple channels.
You'll have ownership of your campaigns from initial brief through to evaluation, working closely with services to define objectives, measure outcomes and demonstrate impact.
Senior Communications Officer (Weymouth 2040 and economic growth)
This role is a fixed contract for 3 years. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys stakeholder and relationship management, partnership working and helping people understand complex programmes.
You'll support communications and engagement activity for Weymouth 2040 and Dorset Council's wider economic growth ambitions. Working with colleagues, partners, businesses and communities, you'll help tell the story of our major regeneration and investment programmes, build understanding and support, and ensure local people have opportunities to engage with the future of their town.
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Working with partners and colleagues, you will help implement and embed a new brand and narrative for Weymouth and Dorset, supporting our economic growth aspirations. This role will be key in bringing this to life through clear and impactful storytelling.
You'll help translate complex plans and investment priorities into clear, engaging communications for residents, businesses, partners and stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for confident communications and marketing professionals who can take ownership of their work and deliver with purpose.
You Will Be Able To Demonstrate
- experience planning and delivering communications, engagement or marketing activity
- strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- the ability to turn complex issues into clear, compelling communications
- experience developing clear objectives and measuring success
- strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- experience using insight, evidence and evaluation to improve performance
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- creativity, curiosity and a focus on finding effective solutions
- a focus on outcomes and impact, not just outputs
For the campaigns and marketing role, experience in marketing, campaign development, behaviour change, audience insight or creative campaign delivery would be particularly valuable.
For the Weymouth 2040 role, experience in stakeholder management, regeneration, place marketing, economic growth, public affairs or partnership working would be valuable. Local knowledge of the area would be an advantage and political awareness is essential.
About The Team
You'll be joining a small, friendly and supportive team of communications and marketing professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to helping each other succeed.
We work collaboratively, share ideas openly and encourage innovation. Whether we're helping recruit foster carers, supporting climate action, promoting economic growth or engaging communities in major change, we focus on delivering work that is insight-led, creative and effective.
Why join Dorset Council?
This is a chance to use your professional skills to work on projects that matter.
You'll Help Shape Campaigns And Communications That
- improve health and wellbeing
- tackle climate and environmental challenges
- support economic growth and regeneration
- encourage positive behaviour change
- help people access services and support
- strengthen Dorset's communities and places
Most importantly, you'll be able to see the impact of your work and the difference it makes to people's lives.
Further Information
If you'd like to arrange an informal chat about role, please contact Steve Maplesden, (Campaigns & Marketing): [email protected], or Kirstie Snow, (Weymouth 2040): [email protected] When you apply for the role, please make sure you provide a supporting statement clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Your statement should include specific examples of your experience, including marketing campaigns and public information projects you have led or played a significant role in.
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Location and working pattern
These are hybrid roles working from both home and the office, with your primary place of work being our office in County Hall, Dorchester. We support flexible working and encourage colleagues to work from the office when they can as it supports good team development and collaborative working. You will be expected to attend the office for team meetings and other in-person meetings when required. During your probation period, you will spend more time in the office to help you settle into the role and get to know the team.
About Us
At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:
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At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.
We
- provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
- work in partnership to make a real difference
- value every role and the impact it has on our communities
- support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive
You Will
- be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
- have access to a range of benefits and support
- receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.
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