Strategic Lead for Mayoral Communications

Chesterfield, Derbyshire
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY

Join us as Strategic Lead for Mayoral Communications and be at the heart of shaping the future of the East Midlands.

Welcome to EMCCA

Do you want to be part of building a bright future for the East Midlands? Do you have a talent for building compelling, authentic narratives? Then this is the job for you.

EMCCA is the UK’s first mayoral combined county authority. It comprises the counties of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and the cities of Derby and Nottingham. As an organisation it represents the intent of these four places to work together to build a brighter future for the East Midlands. Its work is varied and interesting, spanning transport, investment, inclusive growth, climate resilience, skills, and employment. The organisation is just over a year old, so people who join us now will be able to shape it for the future.

This is a chance to improve the region for the better and help elevate the East Midlands to national prominence. EMCCA will conceive the strategies and create the connections that will empower local partners, people and businesses – maximising the impact of billions of pounds of funding. Your role will be to maximise the publicity opportunities created for the Mayor and her team to raise her profile as ambassador for the region.

Your role in elevating the East Midlands

The Mayor of the East Midlands symbolises both the region’s future and the collaborative means to achieving that future. We are seeking a Strategic Lead for Mayoral Communications who will support EMCCA to tell this story simply and well, in a manner which uses the Mayor and her vision to greatest impact.

The successful candidate will have a talent for understanding how to communicate with partners and stakeholders, switching between digital tools, platforms, and approaches towards the story. You will help develop and deliver impactful strategies, narratives, and content that reflect the Mayor’s voice – whilst also showcasing the importance of our local partners and their role in building a bright future for the East Midlands.

This role will also connect the Mayor’s team to the EMCCA communications team – the successful candidate will work with both to create ‘media moments’ that support the Mayoral agenda. It requires collaboration with EMCCA’s constituent authorities and operates under matrix management, reporting to the Director of Communications but primarily within the Mayoral team. Flexible hours are expected due to the nature of the Mayor’s duties.

Key responsibilities include:

• Translating Mayoral priorities into a clear narrative using digital tools. Researching, writing, and delivering effective digital content.
• Managing incoming media enquiries for EMCCA, ensuring accurate and timely responses to maintain a fair view and protect the organisation’s and Mayor’s reputation.
• Contributing to planning and weekly editorial meetings to identify media opportunities and coordinate activities.
• Providing advice, support, briefings, and key messages to the Mayor and political spokespeople to maximise positive coverage and manage issues.
• Drafting engaging copy for various channels and audiences, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the Mayor and EMCCA’s style and brand guidelines.
• Supporting the wider team with training, proofreading, and editing content.
• Building and maintaining links with media, challenging inaccurate coverage and developing contacts in specialist areas.
• Evaluating digital media activity and report performance.
• Staying updated with best practices, sharing skills and insights across the team.
• Ensuring all campaigns comply with corporate policies, including brand identity, equality, health and safety, governance, and data protection laws.
• Supporting crisis communication plans and public communication during emergencies.

Your profile:

• With either an NCTJ Proficiency Certificate, Journalism Degree, NCTJ Diploma, Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma or other recognised marketing/communications qualification or relevant degree, or relevant work experience,
• Experience in creative media and public relations management.
• Up-to-date knowledge of best practices in social media management and news channels.
• Strong news sense and understanding of national, regional, and local media needs.
• Strong relationship and networking skills to enhance media and community relations.
• Knowledge of online marketing and media tools (social media, blogs, podcasts, video hosting) as well as experience with web creation, content management systems, and databases.
• Effective copywriting, concise briefs, grammar, proofreading, and English proficiency.
• Experience partnering with internal/external agencies and large organisations, including emergency planning.
• With an ability to work well independently and as part of a team, you’ll have excellent project management skills, able to work under pressure, prioritising, and multitasking.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, evenings, and weekends.

Please note: This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the post holder may not have any active political role either in or outside of work.

Closing date: 31st March 2025.