Communications and Engagement Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House Ipswich Suffolk IP1 2BX hybrid working
• Salary: 40777 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 37 hours per weekflexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed term or secondment to 21 July 2027 (maternity cover)

At Suffolk County Council collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a Communications and Engagement Officer in the Suffolk Economy team youll work with colleagues partners businesses and communities to build relationships share ideas and support initiatives that make a lasting impact.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As Communications and Engagement Officer for the Suffolk Economy team youll lead our internal and external communications ensuring the Suffolk Economy brand remains visible credible and engaging for key audiences. Youll be responsible for delivering our communications strategy managing digital channels planning and delivering campaigns and creating high-quality content that supports engagement and promotes our work.

Working closely with colleagues across the team and a wide range of partners youll help showcase the exciting work happening across Suffolk through business case studies news releases events social media newsletters and stakeholder communications. Youll also support the Suffolk Business Board providing members with the insights tools and opportunities they need to champion Suffolks economic ambitions and act as effective ambassadors for the county.

What you will need

Were looking for someone who is proactive creative and confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. You will ideally have experience delivering internal and external communications campaigns building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders and telling compelling stories that bring a brand to life.

• Knowledge and understanding of Suffolks business landscape and the role of economic development in supporting growth
• A creative approach to developing and delivering communications campaigns
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously working with colleagues and external partners such as education providers businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to deliver outcomes on time and within budget
• Experience using website CMS platforms email marketing tools and creative software such as Canva and Adobe InDesign
• An understanding of GDPR and relevant data protection requirements
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to living the councils values (including WEASPIRE).

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (JPP) which you can find in the How to apply section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Who we are were the Suffolk Economy Team in the Growth Highways and Infrastructure (GHI) Directorate. We lead the development and delivery of the Suffolk Economic Strategy and support interventions that respond to business needs and new opportunities helping Suffolks economy to be competitive innovative and resilient.

Who youll work with colleagues across the council and a wide range of partners including Suffolk district councils neighbouring authorities businesses and industry leaders education providers government Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations and national bodies. Youll also help support the Suffolk Business Board which provides business-led strategic oversight.

Why it matters your work helps raise the profile and credibility of the Suffolk Economy brand ensuring businesses investors and other key stakeholders understand engage with and contribute to Suffolks economic priorities. Through effective communications and engagement youll help showcase opportunities celebrate success and strengthen partnerships that support the countys long-term growth.

Where youll work Endeavour House (Ipswich) with hybrid working. Well agree a working pattern that balances service needs with flexibility and youll have access to options such as flexitime TOIL and compressed hours where these work for the role.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Cleo Chalk (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact her by emailing .

If you want to apply for a secondment read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 -Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use theSupporting Statement template (Word).

1. Describe a time when you used digital communication channels such as websites social media or email campaigns to engage a target audience. How did you measure success

2. Suffolk Economy aims to promote Suffolk as a place that is open for business. Can you provide an example of how you have creatively promoted a place sector organisation or initiative to encourage engagement
investment or participation

3. Describe a time when you communicated a complex issue to different audiences with competing interests. How did you adapt your approach and achieve a positive outcome

Step 4 -Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note:Without a supporting statement and CV your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application please see ourHow to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills experience and ideas. If used inappropriately your application may not be processed. Please read ourguidance for using AI to understand whats acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team ator. You can find examples of possible adjustments on ourReasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date:11.30pm 16 August 2026.

Interview date: 25 August 2026.

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.#LI-Hybrid