Communications and Engagement Officer

• Suffolk County Council

• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working

• Salary: £40,777 per annum

• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available

• Contract: Fixed term

At Suffolk County Council, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a Communications and Engagement Executive in the Suffolk Economy team, you’ll work with colleagues, partners, businesses and communities to build relationships, share ideas, and support initiatives that make a lasting impact.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As Communications and Engagement Executive for the Suffolk Economy team, you’ll lead our internal and external communications, ensuring the Suffolk Economy brand remains visible, credible and engaging for key audiences. You’ll be responsible for delivering our communications strategy, managing digital channels, planning and delivering campaigns, and creating high-quality content that supports engagement and promotes our work.

Working closely with colleagues across the team and a wide range of partners, you’ll help showcase the exciting work happening across Suffolk through business case studies, news releases, events, social media, newsletters and stakeholder communications. You’ll also support the Suffolk Business Board, providing members with the insights, tools and opportunities they need to champion Suffolk’s economic ambitions and act as effective ambassadors for the county.

You will need

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, creative and confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Our ideal candidate will have experience delivering internal and external communications campaigns, building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and telling compelling stories that bring a brand to life.

• Knowledge and understanding of Suffolk’s business landscape and the role of economic development in supporting growth.

• A creative approach to developing and delivering communications campaigns.

• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, working with colleagues and external partners such as education providers, businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.

• Experience using website CMS platforms, email marketing tools and creative software such as Canva and Adobe InDesign.

• An understanding of GDPR/ relevant data protection requirements

• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to living the council’s values (including WEASPIRE).

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Who we are – we’re the Suffolk Economy Team in the Growth, Highways & Infrastructure (GHI) Directorate. We lead the development and delivery of the Suffolk Economic Strategy and support interventions that respond to business needs and new opportunities – helping Suffolk’s economy to be competitive, innovative and resilient.

Who you’ll work with – colleagues across the council and a wide range of partners, including Suffolk district councils, neighbouring authorities, businesses and industry leaders, education providers, government, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations and national bodies. You’ll also help support the Suffolk Business Board, which provides business-led strategic oversight.

Why it matters – your work helps raise the profile and credibility of the Suffolk Economy brand, ensuring businesses, investors and other key stakeholders understand, engage with and contribute to Suffolk’s economic priorities. Through effective communications and engagement, you’ll help showcase opportunities, celebrate success and strengthen partnerships that support the county’s long-term growth.

Where you’ll work – Endeavour House (Ipswich) with hybrid working. We’ll agree a working pattern that balances service needs with flexibility, and you’ll have access to options such as flexitime, TOIL and compressed hours where these work for the role.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Cleo Chalk [she/her] for a casual conversation. You can reach them emailing [email protected]

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). [HR will add link to JPP],

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - [Your Recruitment Advisor will discuss application options with you and insert the relevant information here]

Closing date: 11.30pm, [Date Month Year].

Interview date: [Date Month Year].

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

Travel and Workplace Options

Please choose the relevant travel and workplace requirements text below – these will be added to the JPP:

• Infrequent travel - We encourage technology for communication. Sometimes you may need to travel. If you have a disability, talk to the contact below. They can help you with reasonable adjustments for this role.

• Hybrid - This role supports hybrid working. It involves a balanced mix of working from home and the office. If you want to discuss how that might affect your work, please talk to the contact person. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).