Why Southwark?
Southwark Council communicates regularly with residents, partners and the media to ensure clear, accurate information about services, policies and priorities.
The Communications team, within Strategy and Communities, leads the council’s approach to communications, campaigns, media relations and digital content.
The team works across the organisation to ensure that council priorities are communicated clearly, residents can access information about services and initiatives, and communications activity supports meaningful engagement and impact.
We are looking for a Media and Communications Manager to lead on the council’s media relations activity and oversee external communications.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this role you will:
• Create and lead communications strategies across key programmes and services
• Manage the council’s relationship with local, regional and national media.
• Lead responses to media enquiries and develop proactive media opportunities.
• Provide media advice and support to senior leaders and Members.
• Coordinate communications around major announcements, policy developments and incidents.
• Work closely with campaign and content teams to ensure consistent messaging.
• Monitor media coverage and support effective reputation management.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who has:
• Strong experience in media relations and communications.
• Experience managing press enquiries and developing proactive media stories.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on communications issues.
• The ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments.
Additional Information
Recruitment Timeline
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 26th April 2026
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.?Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.
Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
*Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
*Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
*If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
Benefits
Working for Southwark Council – Southwark
Attachments
*Media and Communications Manager G12.pdf