About Company
City of York Council is dedicated to serving the vibrant and historic city of York, ensuring it remains a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. We are committed to fostering a strong, inclusive community, delivering high-quality public services, and championing the city’s rich heritage while embracing its future. Our work impacts every aspect of daily life, from education and social care to planning, environmental services, and cultural initiatives. We believe in transparency, accountability, and engaging effectively with our residents, businesses, and stakeholders to build a better York for everyone.
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Job Description
We are seeking a proactive and skilled Public Relations Officer to join the City of York Council’s dynamic Communications team. This pivotal role involves managing and enhancing the Council’s reputation, building strong relationships with local, regional, and national media, and ensuring our messages are clear, consistent, and impactful across all platforms. You will be instrumental in shaping public perception, promoting key initiatives, and providing expert PR advice to senior officers and councillors. This isn’t just about sharing news; it’s about building trust, engaging our community, and effectively communicating the vital work the Council does to improve the lives of our residents. From promoting cultural festivals and public health campaigns to explaining complex policy changes and responding to media inquiries during critical incidents, your work will be varied, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. The ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller, adept at translating complex information into accessible language, and capable of operating effectively in a fast-paced, often reactive environment. You will play a crucial role in safeguarding the Council’s reputation, promoting positive stories, and ensuring public understanding of our strategic priorities and services. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned PR professional to make a tangible difference in a historic and forward-looking city.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies and campaigns that align with Council priorities and objectives.
- Manage proactive and reactive media relations, including writing press releases, statements, features, and managing media inquiries.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and key media contacts across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
- Provide expert PR advice and support to senior officers, elected members, and various Council departments.
- Monitor media coverage, analyse sentiment, and produce reports on PR effectiveness.
- Develop engaging content for various channels, including the Council's website, social media, newsletters, and internal communications.
- Coordinate and manage press conferences, media briefings, and public events.
- Assist in crisis communications planning and execute strategies during challenging situations to protect and manage the Council's reputation.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a public relations or communications role, preferably within the public sector or a large organisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Strong media relations expertise and a solid understanding of the media landscape.
- Demonstrable ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
- Proficiency in social media management and digital communication tools.
- A proactive and results-oriented approach with excellent attention to detail.
- Understanding of local government functions and the political environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- A degree or equivalent professional qualification in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
- Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIPR, PRCA).
- Familiarity with the specific communities and demographics of York and North Yorkshire.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous local government pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Opportunity for continuous professional development and training.
- Access to an employee assistance programme.
- Discount schemes and initiatives for local services and retailers.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
How to Apply
If you are a passionate and experienced Public Relations professional looking to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking local authority, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role. We look forward to hearing from you!
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