Communications and Engagement Adviser

Job description
About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated, creative and experienced Communications and Engagement Adviser to join our Communications and Engagement Team on a 24-month fixed term contract (32 hours per week).

The Communications and Engagement Team are responsible for all aspects of North Somerset Council’s communications and engagement planning. This includes proactive and reactive media relations, an online ‘North Somerset Life' resident e-magazine delivered to over 100K addresses, internal communications, corporate social media, consultation and engagement as well as supporting major campaigns such as the regeneration of Birnbeck Pier, the delivery of the long awaited Banwell Bypass and implementing the second largest government grant for Bus Service Improvements across the West of England area.

And on top of this, there's the business as usual of helping improve North Somerset residents’ lives through adult social care, libraries, children's services, highways and transport, open spaces and much more. No two days will ever be the same!

In this role, you will undertake specialist communications and engagement activities for our Healthy and Sustainable Communities directorate, which supports community safety, planning, the local economy, our climate emergency response and more. You will make decisions within the Communications and Engagement team using skills that have been gained through academic or professional qualifications and practical experience. You will be responsible for devising, delivering and evaluating planned, coordinated and effective communications and engagement activities to meet council and service-led objectives to a professional standard.

Key Responsibilities:
• Public Relations.
• Marketing and communications.
• Engagement and consultation.
• Digital communications.
• Media liaison.
• Internal communications.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
• One day per month minimum in the office.
• Primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate and creative about communications and engagement, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:
• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience of working in a marketing, communications and engagement role.
• Experience of using MS Office products, social media, web/video content editing and able to adapt quickly to using new software.
• Able to research, develop, deliver and monitor communications and engagement activities – including writing communications and engagement plans and reporting on their effectiveness.
• Excellent standards of writing to suit the audience with attention to detail and strong visual presentation skills.
• Ability to manage/organise own work to meet agreed deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:
• Up to date knowledge of digital and marketing channels and professional standards.
• Experience of working with senior officers and/or councillors, partner organisations and the media and able to develop and maintain positive working relationships.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Deborah Porter, Deputy Head of Communications via email at Deborah.Porter@n-somerset.gov.uk or by phone 07385 373110.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received. Read more