Job Introduction
From 1 December 2025, our refreshed Pay and Reward package comes into effect, bringing a new approach to how we recognise and reward roles across the Council. This means the salary for this role will be changing. The pay range for this role will be £31,537 - £36,363 p.a. from 1 December 2025.
You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure
Calling comms creatives
We are looking for two press officers to join our friendly, inclusive corporate communications team on the beautiful south coast.
Are you a creative, organised and media savvy professional who loves news and thrives being at the centre of local and national issues?
Do you want to develop your media skills in a complex political environment, have an interest in fine tuning your storytelling talent and bring a positive, curious mindset to an energetic team?
Do you have an enthusiasm for communications that will improve lives, change minds and protect the reputation of one of the most forward-thinking and innovative councils in the country?
If this sounds like you and you’d like a call to find out more about the role, we encourage you to get in touch for an informal chat. Just email: liam.ohara2@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Who are we?
It’s always exciting to work in local government, but now more so than ever at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
We’re a proud, passionate, council that is winning hearts and minds. We also win awards – our team was awarded by our partners at Dorset Police for our work to change perception of Bournemouth Town Centre. Our senior leadership team were also recognised in the sector by the Municipal Journal for their resilience and teamwork in delivering for residents.
We plan communications for local and national elections. We prepare compelling digital and media campaigns on issues such as sexual harassment, social housing and seafront operations. We work with partners, from the NHS to business owners to get our message out. We pivot to the leading story of the day, and manage local, national and sometimes international media to protect the council’s reputation.
We try new ways to connect with our residents. We challenge ourselves to think differently and have a culture where professional development is encouraged, with access to some of the best sector-focused training.
We are bold and brave. We also like to have fun with regular opportunities to make the most of where we live. We invite you to be part of our story.
What is the role like?
You will be based in our Corporate Communications Team and you’ll get the chance to play an important role in crafting and communicating the council’s story.
You will create and deliver organic, engaging and targeted written, audio and visual content for the media.
You will identify and manage important local and national reputational issues and work alongside our digital teams to make sure you are ahead of the latest trends.
What will you be doing?
From housing to health, social care to schools and finances to fly-tipping, we work on a huge range of stories that matter to our residents, visitors, businesses and communities.
You will promote the work of the council through writing and pitching local and regional media stories, helping prepare our Cabinet and the senior leadership team for media interviews and creating social media content for our own channels.
You will be at the frontline of our busy press office working closely with journalists from key titles and national media outlets.
You'll be a vital member of the team and act as gatekeeper to the council; working with policy experts, digital specialists, campaign managers, service leads and key political stakeholders.
You will attend high-profile events to meet and manage internal, political and community representatives.
You’ll be a key contributor to communications during public health issues, floods, storms or national emergencies, as part of the council’s warning and informing duties.
What do you need?
We’re looking for politically astute storytellers to front our fast-paced media desk. You’ll be able to grasp complex issues and quickly turn around clear, concise and confident messaging.
We want people with a keen news sense who understand which way the local political wind is blowing on any given day. We’re looking for those who can spot an opportunity to tell a great story about the council’s work and can be relied upon to identify reputational risks.
You’ll be providing Officers and Councillors with professional communications advice, making sure we get the right message, to the right people, at the right time.
If you enjoy talking to people can offer knowledge and understanding of the media landscape - and the council - with both fellow comms professionals and people working in different roles across the organisation, then we want to hear from you.
The role requires a communications qualification, or demonstratable communications or journalism experience. You’ll need some experience of writing statements for the media, online channels and a range of publications and audiences. You’ll have examples of where you’ve exercised political awareness and provided impartial advice.
There is a requirement to work some weekends and evenings as part of the corporate communications team’s out of hours rota.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, can spot a story and are passionate about informing and building trust in BCP Council, then get in touch.
What do we offer?
• Working for a community-minded, forward-thinking local authority that likes to push boundaries and try new things.
• Competitive salary, pension, a Car Benefit Scheme, a cycle-to-work scheme, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health and wellbeing support.
• A welcoming, friendly, supportive team with regular social opportunities.
• Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our offices in the heart of Bournemouth and satellite offices in Christchurch and Poole.
• Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.
What does a typical day look like?
• Getting up to speed with the morning’s news stories by reading articles across print and digital media; spotting opportunities where the council can contribute to the national conversation, identifying where we need to challenge incorrect coverage and anticipating what enquiries might be coming our way.
• Jumping on the questions in our inbox; responding to these by starting to craft clear, concise and confident comments that protect our reputation and reassure our residents.
• Building strong relationships with all colleagues across the council; working closely with officers, managers, directors, Chief Executive or Leader to make sure our statements are accurate and transparent.
• Attending key council meetings; reacting to debate and decisions in real-time and crafting communications to support Cabinet and Full Council business.
• Responding quickly to breaking news; working at speed to make sure your spokesperson is briefed with key messages and in front of the camera at the right time.
• Wrapping up your good work; briefing key colleagues so they’re aware of significant media coverage coming in the morning, not being shy to show your value to the organisation with summaries of how comms helped the council today and making sure your team are briefed on the media enquiries still top of the to-do list.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
From 1 December 2025, we’re proud to introduce a new Pay and Reward package, shaped through close collaboration with our trade union partners. This marks a significant step forward in how we recognise and reward our colleagues, reflecting our commitment to creating a modern, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
Our enhanced offer includes fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Whether it’s flexible working, wellbeing support, or opportunities for career progression, our new approach puts people first- we’re excited to welcome new colleagues into a Council that’s evolving to meet the needs of both our workforce and our communities.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
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