Communications Executive - External Communications and Public Affairs

As part of our Communications Team, you'll lead the development and delivery of strategic communications and public affairs campaigns aligned to the council's Corporate Plan. Using insight, data and audience understanding, you'll shape inclusive, relevant and impactful engagement with residents, stakeholders, partners and decision makers. You'll be a trusted advisor, a confident media operator and a skilled content creator - equally comfortable handling breaking media enquiries, developing long term public affairs strategies or turning complex policy into clear, compelling messages. You'll attend key council meetings and civic events, support national award submissions, help maintain stakeholder databases and collaborate flexibly across the Communications Team to deliver wider corporate communications activity. The role includes participation in an on call rota (with additional payment).

You'll bring:

• strong experience or aptitude in media relations, strategic communications or public affairs
• excellent writing skills and the ability to explain complex, sensitive issues clearly
• confidence working with senior officers, councillors and external stakeholders
• sound judgement in politically sensitive and fast moving situations
• a proactive, curious mindset and a genuine interest in public policy and local government.
An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people. Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making. At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.