Communications Manager
Cotswold District Council
Location: Cirencester
Fixed Term
Salary Details: £41,280 Per Annum
Hours Per Week: 37
Closing date: 29 Mar 2026
About The Role
Community storytelling to support a lasting legacy
Clear, engaging communication has never mattered more. As people consume information in more ways than ever before, we need to cut through the noise and help our communities stay informed, connected and confident.
Cotswold District Council is part of a once in a generation opportunity to reshape local government in Gloucestershire. While we help shape that future, we're also delivering important work right now: from updating the district’s Local Plan – planning for new, affordable homes – to introducing a greener waste fleet, supporting residents with the cost of living, and working with partners to strengthen community health and wellbeing.
We’re looking for an experienced and energetic Communications Manager to help tell these stories, build trust, and support our communities through change.
About the role
This is a key role in our communications team, leading strategic communications that promote the council’s priorities and protect and enhance its reputation.
You will deliver proactive, high-quality communications across media, digital and social channels, while strengthening engagement with residents, businesses, partners and staff. Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll provide expert advice and guide a small team to deliver effective, insight driven campaigns and communications activity.
We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, combines creativity with strategic thinking, and is motivated by making a real difference to people’s lives.
You will be:
A self-starter who can work independently and deliver results
Comfortable managing priorities and delivering high-quality work at pace
An excellent communicator with strong writing and storytelling skills
Experienced in media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement
Able to align with the council’s values of putting communities first, working as one team, being business focussed, and set up for success.
Skilled at planning and delivering campaigns across multiple channels
Able to guide and motivate a small team to deliver strong outcomes
You’ll also have a strong understanding of how communications can support organisational priorities and build trust with communities.
You will need
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Proven ability to manage teams and coordinate complex projects.
Ability to analyse data and apply insights to improve performance
A passion for using communications to make a positive impact on communities.
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
Closing date: Sunday 29th March
Interview Date: Wednesday 8th April and Thursday 9th April
Special Conditions
You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service.
There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.
Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Politically restricted postholders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
BPSS Check
What can we do for you
Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice
A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
Generous contributory local government pension scheme
Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
About Us
We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We’re busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be ‘fleet of foot’ and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.
That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district’s vibrant economy.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Our organisation is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
