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
- Resident engagement campaigns
- 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 evaluate impact using insight and data
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Lead, coach and develop members of the communications team
- Help shape communications during a period of significant local government change and transformation.
- Ideally, you'll able to drive and have access to a vehicle.
Why Blackburn with Darwen?
We're a council with big ambitions, delivering real change for our communities. Our communications team plays a central role in that journey, helping tell compelling stories, engage residents, support services and protect the council's reputation.
You'll join a supportive, collaborative team where your ideas will be welcomed, your development encouraged and your work will have a genuine impact.
You'll also beneft from:
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Strong focus on development and innovation
- Opportunity to shape how data can inluence campaign results
- We are passionate about creating a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ applicants, disabled candidates, people with lived experience of homelessness, and individuals seeking a new direction in their careers
- We are committed to being an inclusive employer that values and respects difference. If you need any adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Interested?
This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to step into a senior communications leadership role, broaden their experience and help shape communications during a historic period of local government reform.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Andrea Sturgess (Head of Communications)
đ§ [email protected]
Join us and help tell the story of Blackburn with Darwen while shaping the future of local government communications.
Applications from experienced communications professionals from local government, the wider public sector, agencies and in-house communications teams are welcome.
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The Government has confirmed plans to reorganise local government across Lancashire. From April 2028, the current 15 councils will be replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire.
If you're successful in your application, you'll initially join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. As part of the reorganisation, your employment will transfer to the new East Lancashire council from April 2028.
We're committed to continuing to deliver excellent services throughout this transition. By joining us now, you'll be part of an important period of change and have the opportunity to help shape the future of local government for local communities.
