Senior Communications Officer
New Forest District Council
Fixed term to 31st March 2028
Location: Lyndhurst
Job Type: Contract
Job Hours: Full Time
Additional Salary information: £40,174 to £43,236 Per annum (up to £44,472 for exceptional performance once in post)
Application Method: https://applytrack.onefixmedia.co.uk/4e31303030303057585a3952
Closing Date: 10 August 2026
Are you an experienced communications professional who can deliver high-quality communications, provide trusted advice and support a team to achieve its goals?
We are currently operating in a period of significant change as local government across Hampshire undergoes reorganisation. This role is an important part of the team, ensuring we continue to deliver excellent communications about the council’s core services, priorities, and day-to-day activity.
This is a key role with responsibility for managing a portfolio of communications activity across the council and includes line management of others in the team.
About you
You will have significant experience working in a communications, PR or marketing role and be confident operating at a senior officer level. You will have a proven track record of developing and delivering communications plans, managing campaigns, handling media enquiries, producing engaging and accessible content and providing clear, strategic communications advice.
You will be an excellent communicator and writer, with strong judgement, the ability to manage competing priorities and experience of working in a complex organisation. Experience of local government, the public sector or a politically aware environment would be an advantage.
We’re looking for someone who can work independently, build strong relationships, support colleagues and bring energy, creativity and professionalism.
What’s in it for you?
As part of our commitment to being a supportive and people‑centred employer, we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work:
£40,174 - £43,236 per annum (pay award pending) up to £44,472 for exceptional performance once in post
27 days plus bank holidays, rising by an additional week’s leave after 5 years of continuous local authority service
Hybrid working, with flexibility across our sites, and home working
Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
LGBTQ+ Network
Women’s Network
Early Careers Network
Neurodiversity Network
About us
At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office‑based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‑quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.
We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.
We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.
If you’re interested
Please see the candidate booklet for more information about working at the Council and the job description.
If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to delivering excellent public services, and looking for a place where you can develop and continue to grow, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Please note, this post is subject to a basic DBS check
For an informal chat about the role please contact Keziah.Askew-Jones@nfdc.gov.uk (Deputy Communications Manager) 023 8028 5481 or sara.hamilton@nfdc.gov.uk (Communications Manager) 023 8028 5480
Closing Date: 11pm Monday 10th August 2026
Interview Date: Monday 17th August 2026 and Friday 21st August 2026
