Communications Manager

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Salary Grade I, SCP 34-38, £45,091 to £49,282 per annum

Terms and Conditions: 37 hours, Full Time Department:
Chief Executives, Corporate Communications Interview Date: w/c 28 September 2026

Start Date:

ASAP

Communications Manager Fixed Term Contract to 31 March 2028. Shape the future of local government communications in Lancashire.

Are you a strategic communications professional looking for your next leadership challenge? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same – from leading high-profile campaigns and media relations to advising senior leaders during complex and sensitive issues? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for an ambitious, creative and experienced Communications Manager to join our wonderful Corporate Communications team at Blackburn with Darwen Council on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2028.

This is a unique opportunity to cover the substantive postholder's secondment to the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Programme Development Office, giving you the chance to play a key role in one of the most significant periods of change in local government while gaining invaluable experience in a large unitary authority communications team as we work towards vesting day.

The role sits within Corporate Communications and supports the Head of Communications in delivering strategic communications that help shape the future of our borough and beyond.

Why this role? This isn't just another communications job. You'll be at the heart of major council priorities, providing strategic communications advice to senior officers and elected members, leading impactful campaigns, managing reputation, supporting crisis communications and helping residents understand the decisions that affect their lives. You'll work across a huge range of issues including:

• High-profile media and reputation management
• Major transformation and change programmes
• Digital innovation and emerging technologies
• Crisis and emergency communications
• Corporate and political communications
• Strategic planning and horizon scanning

You’ll also lead and develop talented communications professionals, helping shape the future of a highly respected team.

What we're looking for: We’re seeking someone who can combine strategic thinking with excellent delivery. You’ll bring:

• Significant experience developing and delivering integrated communications strategies and campaigns
• Strong media relations experience, including handling reactive and proactive communications
• Experience leading and motivating teams
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and organisational abilities
• Experience working across digital channels and creating engaging content
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and manage competing priorities
• A passion for innovation, creativity and continuous improvement

Experience in local government or the wider public sector would be highly advantageous, as would knowledge of emerging technologies and AI in communications. Most importantly, you’ll share our values of Trust, Respect, Ambition, Collaboration and Kindness and be committed to making a positive difference for residents and communities.

What you’ll be doing: As Communications Manager, you will:

• Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of strategic communications campaigns
• Provide expert advice to senior officers and elected members
• Manage major communications projects and corporate priorities
• Support media handling, reputation management and crisis communications
• Drive innovation across communications and digital channels
• Monitor performance and…