Job Summary
Job Role Title: Media & Communications Officer
Location: Headquarters, Birstall, Leicester
Salary: Grade E – 31,022 – 34,434
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover – 12 months)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Number of hours per week: 37 hours per week
Number of positions: 1
Job Share: No
Closing date: Wednesday 6 May
Job Advert
Are you a creative, confident communicator looking for your next challenge? Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a talented Media and Communications Officer to join our Corporate Communications team on a 12-month maternity cover basis, with the possibility of the role becoming permanent.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference, helping to protect and inform communities across Leicestershire through compelling, multi-channel communications. Reporting to the Senior Media and Communications Officer you will plan and deliver high-impact internal and external communications, manage press and media enquiries, and help grow our digital presence.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive communicator with experience across a range of channels. A Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Communications or a related discipline is desirable, though equivalent professional experience is equally valued. Strong writing skills, digital confidence, and the ability to build relationships at all levels are essential.
You must be able to work to tight deadlines, remain calm under pressure, and represent the Service professionally in all circumstances.
Benefits you will receive:
• Competitive salary
• Flexible working
• Generous leave entitlement plus public holidays
• Full support for ongoing professional development
• On-site gym facilities
• Free onsite parking
• Access to an emergency services “Blue Light” discount card
• Use of our in-house occupational health unit, which includes fitness support
• Access to the Service’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Public sector pension (subject to pension scheme rules). You will automatically be enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is a tax-approved, defined-benefit occupational pension scheme. Your contributions are based on your earnings, and you can choose from different income options when you retire.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, we want to create a work environment where everyone feels safe, can be themselves and can perform their roles to the best of their abilities. We have signed up with a number of nationally recognised organisations that promote equality, diversity and inclusion and we are working with them to help us achieve our objectives. These organisations include:
• Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion
• Department of Works and Pension’s Disability Confident scheme
• Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA)
Pension Considerations
Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance or Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.
Sponsorship
Please take note that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Hybrid working may be considered for this role but with a minimum of 3 days in the HQ Office.
Closing date: 6 May 2026
Interview and test date: W/C 18th May
If you are invited to interview, you will be assessed against the NFCC Leadership Framework. The highest level relevant to the role is outlined in the person specification for the position you are applying for. The interview may include both behavioural and role-specific questions to assess your suitability. You will also be asked a question exploring your understanding of, and commitment to, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.
Job Objectives
• Produce and publish approved corporate communications across multiple channels, ensuring consistency of message
• Respond to all internal and external communications enquiries, safeguarding the reputation and brand of LFRS
• Proactively seek newsworthy items to promote the people and work of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
• Facilitate media interview requests, ensuring spokespeople are fully briefed and prepared
• Create content for internal and external channels, including filming and editing videos, photography, and writing copy
• Manage and develop LFRS’s social media presence, including content planning and audience evaluation
• Maintain and update the LFRS external website in accordance with corporate protocols
• Provide analytical data from digital communications channels for performance monitoring
• Assist with press conferences, launches and event management
• Represent Corporate Communications on multi-agency and partnership projects
• Establish and maintain relationships with local media outlets and communications teams from partner agencies
• Provide training and advice to colleagues on communications planning, channels, and key messages
Skills Required
Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team to achieve team and organisational objectives.
Experience of working effectively in a flexible and responsive way, planning your own time and managing workload to ensure that deadlines and timescales are met.
Good attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy, to deliver outputs for both internal and external customers, such as press releases, posters and collateral for social media campaigns and internal documents and video.
Experience of researching, gathering and extracting information, images, data or statistics for inclusion in reports, documents or other communications.
Experience of maintaining website content and aesthetics, using a web content management system.
Experience of using design software such as Adobe InDesign, PremierPro and Photoshop or Canva to deliver items such as screensavers, leaflets, posters and videos.
Proven experience of the management and creation of both written and verbal communications, which are designed to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders
Proven experience of handling incoming media enquiries, facilitating interviews and providing information using multiple communications channels, for example when dealing with a major incident.
Experience of using social media in a professional capacity, with experience of creating content.
Equality and Fairness
Sound knowledge of and commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
Qualifications and Training
Degree (or higher) qualification in Communications or a related discipline/experience
Skills
Demonstrates personal credibility and political awareness.
Displays ethical standards commensurate with a public sector role and is a positive role model.
Well-developed communications skills; demonstrates ability to adapt communication style and behaviour according to the needs of the group or individual.
Takes accountability for own actions and decisions.
Ability to balance competing priorities and to meet deadlines.
Produces new ideas, approaches or insights; creates innovative products, or designs, and produces a range of solutions to problems.
Other
Must be willing to undertake a criminal record check.
Ability to travel off-site to undertake duties when required. The post holder will be required to regularly visit a range of locations within Leicestershire.
Must hold a UK Driving Licence.