Senior Community Engagement and Communications Officer

Society of Local Council Clerks; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body in Christchurch seeks a dynamic professional to lead community engagement and communications. Responsibilities include developing communication strategies, managing digital platforms, and organizing community consultations. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with creative talents and organizational skills. Work within a supportive team and engage with residents and local businesses. Flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities are available. Apply today to make a difference in Christchurch!

Benefits

Professional Development

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive team environment

Community-focused role

Beautiful location

Qualifications

• Natural communicator, able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Creative and confident in community engagement, with strong writing skills.
• Digitally savvy and able to manage social media and websites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver communication strategies for the Council’s services.
• Manage and update digital platforms, ensuring engaging content.
• Design and implement community engagement strategies and organize consultations.

Skills

Communication

Community Engagement

Digital Savviness

Organizational Skills

Creativity

Job description

Christchurch Town Council is looking for a dynamic and creative professional to lead our community engagement and communications work. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a historic town with a vibrant community, helping us connect with residents, businesses, and visitors.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll take the lead in developing and delivering communication strategies that promote the Council’s services and initiatives. You’ll manage and update our digital platforms, including the website, social media channels, and email communications, ensuring content is timely, accurate, and engaging. You’ll also create press releases, newsletters, and promotional materials that reflect our brand and messaging, while coordinating publicity for events, consultations, and campaigns.

Community engagement will be at the heart of your work. You’ll design and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with residents, businesses, and stakeholders, and you’ll organise consultations and surveys to ensure local voices are heard. Building strong partnerships with local organisations and supporting collaborative initiatives will be key. Additionally, you’ll oversee the Christchurch tourism website and social media presence, encouraging local businesses to participate. As part of your responsibilities, you’ll provide line management to the Marketing Assistant and act as a communications advisor to councillors.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is a natural communicator and a people person—someone who can build trust and positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be creative and confident in finding new ways to engage the community, with a flair for writing and storytelling that brings our work to life. Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects are essential, as is a proactive, solution-focused approach to challenges.

You’ll need to be digitally savvy, comfortable managing websites and social media, and able to interpret data to improve engagement. A calm and professional manner when dealing with the public and press is important, along with resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Above all, you’ll be enthusiastic about making a difference in Christchurch, with a positive attitude and a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.

Why Work for Christchurch Town Council?

• Small, Supportive Team: You’ll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team where your contributions are valued, and your ideas can make a real impact.
• Community-Focused: Work directly with residents, councillors, and local groups to improve public spaces and services.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to grow your skills through training and involvement in diverse projects.
• A creative, fast-paced role where you’ll shape how Christchurch connects with its community every day.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to staff wellbeing.
• Beautiful Location: Help care for one of Dorset’s most historic and scenic towns.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and be part of Christchurch’s journey to a brighter future.

How to Apply: Please use the below link for the Job Description and Person Specification. A link is also provided for the application form which includes a section for equality and diversity monitoring – please complete this and return by the closing date to [e-mail]

The interviews will be held on week commencing 26 January 2026.