R2R103946 - Digital Communications Manager - Permanent

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking for an experienced and innovative Digital Communications Manager to lead the development, management and continuous improvement of the Council's core communications channels. This contract is offered on a full time and permanent basis.

In this key role, you will oversee the Council's digital and corporate communication platforms, including the website, intranet, Viva Engage, Livewell, Your Say Southend, e-communications, digital screens, video content, and print and design services. Working closely with the Head of Service, you will ensure these channels effectively support the Council's vision and priorities, delivering the right information to the right audience at the right time.

You will be responsible for managing the Council's overall digital communications function, ensuring content is engaging, accessible, customer-focused and written in plain English. You will use insight, data and evaluation to monitor channel performance, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure a positive user experience across all platforms.

As the Council's lead adviser on corporate communications channels, you will support and influence colleagues across the organisation, ensuring the most effective communication methods are used to engage residents, businesses, partners and staff. You will also oversee digital channel governance, monitor print and design expenditure, manage external contracts and promote best practice across the organisation. A significant part of the role will involve evaluating the effectiveness of communications activity, establishing evidence-based best practice and identifying innovative solutions that improve engagement, accessibility and value for money.

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation to work in the office an average of two days per week. The successful candidate will be required to travel locally, regionally and occasionally nationally to meet service needs.

Flexibility is essential, as occasional work outside normal office hours may be required to support operational requirements, planned activities and key business priorities.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced communications professional with a strong background in managing digital communication channels, corporate content and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will have

• Significant experience managing websites, intranets and other digital communication platforms.
• Strong understanding of digital content management, user experience and accessibility principles.
• Experience using data, insight and evaluation to improve communication effectiveness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging content in plain English.
• Experience advising and influencing stakeholders at all levels, building positive and collaborative working relationships.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, projects and deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Experience overseeing external suppliers, contracts, print and design services would be highly beneficial.
• A passion for digital innovation and continuous improvement, with a customer-focused approach to service delivery.

A full and clean driving license as well as access to own car will be essential for this role.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.