We're looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Communications Business Partner - PR and Media Strategy to join our Communications team at a pivotal moment. This is a senior, high-profile role in our Communications Team and at the heart of the council's strategic direction, helping us communicate clearly, confidently and transparently with our residents, partners and colleagues. As one of our senior communication leaders, you will design and deliver integrated communications that support our Strategic Framework and CARE values: Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful and Excellent. You'll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and elected members, provide expert guidance on complex and sensitive matters, and help shape the organisation's narrative through high-quality, insight-led communication. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced media environment, who enjoys balancing proactive and reactive storytelling in response to media issues. They will be passionate about shaping the organisation's public voice while protecting its reputation. They will be ready to lead on the communication challenges and opportunities that come with major organisational change, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Highlights

Influence the strategic direction of a large, high-profile council. Lead communications that genuinely improve outcomes for residents. Shape a modern, digital-first approach to engagement and public service. Be part of a supportive, ambitious team that values innovation, learning and professional growth.

If you want a role where your expertise has real impact, we'd love to hear from you. For more information or to chat about this opportunity please contact Matthew Hall, Head of Communications. What will you be doing?

Lead our media approach and our media team, balancing proactive storytelling with robust, rapid response to emerging issues. Deliver forward planning as well as overseeing and handling real time media handling. Oversee reputation management, providing strategic advice during crises and contributing to our 24/7 out-of-hours rota. Develop and deliver cross-council communication, media and digital strategies aligned to corporate outcomes. Act as a strategic advisor to senior officers and elected members, ensuring communications support effective decision-making and democratic transparency. Horizon scanning to protect the council's interests and strengthen relationships with partners and government. Support local democracy by communicating committee policy decisions. Mentor and develop colleagues to create a high-performing, innovative communications function. Drive creative thinking, professional standards and communication excellence across the organisation.

This role includes line management responsibilities and the expectation to lead a business unit delivering against a forward communications plan. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with our employee network 'IDEAL' and self-organised peer support groups help us to foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. We collect relevant diversity data for monitoring as part of the recruitment process to understand the diversity of our applicants and monitor any trends throughout the recruitment processes so that we can take meaningful action. Requirements

Extensive experience delivering strategic communications in a complex organisational environment. A proven track record in media handling, crisis response and reputation management. Expertise in strategic planning across digital, media, campaigns and internal communications. Strong political awareness and an ability to advise senior stakeholders with credibility. Excellent writing, editing and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complexity for diverse audiences. Experience of leading high-performing teams and encouraging innovation and continuous improvement. Strong financial and project management skills. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to supporting our ambition to become a Net Zero organisation by 2030.

Relevant degree-level study is essential; CIPR/CIM or postgraduate qualifications are desirable. Location Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live with a diverse population, an urban centre in Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon and St Ives as well as more rural landscapes. Benefits

A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family. Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro-rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme. Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances. Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings. Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth. Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day. Access to Peer Support Groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network. Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards. An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in-store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes.

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