Communications Manager (Museums) (8100)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager (Museums)

🔹 Company: Norfolk County Council

🔹 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time, Fixed Term Contract/Secondment

🔹 Category: Communications, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-25

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading media engagement, public relations, and stakeholder advocacy across ten museums
• Planning and executing high-profile opening events
• Maximizing PR opportunities and managing media relations
• Collaborating with the Head of Development and other stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure, especially during high-profile events.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead on media engagement, public relations, and stakeholder advocacy across ten museums

✅ Plan and execute high-profile opening events, such as the upcoming Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum Partnership

✅ Maximize PR opportunities and manage media relations, including local, regional, and national media, as well as specialist arts and heritage press

✅ Collaborate with the Head of Development and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication strategies

✅ Provide regular updates and reports on communications activities and outcomes

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have a proven track record in communications, event planning, and media relations, with a strong understanding of the cultural sector.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: Proven track record of effective communications work, with at least 5-10 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within the cultural sector

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven event planning abilities
• Sound working knowledge of local, regional, and national media, including specialist arts and heritage press
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with museums or other cultural institutions
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a relevant field is preferred, equivalent experience and a strong portfolio may be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £36,124 to £37,938 per annum (Grade I)

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement
• Health and Wellbeing services, including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
• Flexible working opportunities, including flexi-time, part-time, remote, and hybrid working
• Financial benefits, such as Norfolk Rewards, Blue Light card, relocation expenses, advance of expenses, Local Government Pension Scheme, tax-efficient pension options, tax-efficient car lease scheme, and referral payment

Working Hours: 37 hours per week, with flexibility for event planning and management

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the Norfolk County Council's grading structure and is subject to confirmation during the interview process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Government Administration, specifically focused on cultural services and museums

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large and diverse range of services to Norfolk residents

Founded: Norfolk County Council was established in 1974, with a rich history of serving the Norfolk community

Company Description:

• Norfolk County Council is the main local authority for Norfolk, providing services countywide to over 900,000 residents
• The council takes the lead in critical policy areas and works with 84 elected Members to provide strategic local government services
• Norfolk County Council promotes efficiency, innovation, and involves people who use their services to shape and comment on them

Company Specialties:

• Museum services and cultural heritage
• Education and learning services
• Social care and health services
• Transportation and infrastructure

Company Website: http://www.norfolk.gov.uk

ASSUMPTION: Norfolk County Council's focus on community engagement and service provision creates an environment where effective communication is crucial.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and development

Reporting Structure: The Communications Manager reports directly to the Head of Development and works closely with other stakeholders, such as museum directors and curators

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work, depending on event requirements and team meetings

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior communications role within the council or other cultural institutions
• Expanding skills and expertise in event planning, media relations, and stakeholder advocacy
• Potential opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events, such as the upcoming Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum Partnership

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have opportunities to grow and develop their skills within this role and the wider cultural sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work

Office Location(s): Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• Norwich is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Norwich Castle and its museums
• The city offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to the Norfolk Broads and the Norfolk Coast
• Norfolk is a county with a strong sense of community and a rich history, providing a unique context for cultural services

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for event planning and management, including evenings and weekends as required

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, fostering a flexible and adaptable work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Head of Development
• Face-to-face interview with the Head of Development and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the museum director or senior management team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and event planning abilities
• Knowledge of local, regional, and national media, including specialist arts and heritage press
• Understanding of the cultural sector and Norfolk County Council's services
• Cultural fit and alignment with the council's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide specific examples of your event planning abilities and media relations successes
• Demonstrate your understanding of the cultural sector and Norfolk County Council's services
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the role's responsibilities, the team, and the council's priorities

ATS Keywords: Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Event Planning, Stakeholder Advocacy, Museums, Cultural Sector, Norfolk County Council

ASSUMPTION: Norfolk County Council uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being shortlisted.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
• Event planning software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to support their work, with a focus on communication, event planning, and media relations.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Putting people first
• Working together
• Striving for excellence

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
• Creative and innovative in approach to communications and event planning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Norfolk County Council's values, particularly 'Putting people first' and 'Working together'?
• How do you approach event planning and management, especially when faced with tight deadlines and changing priorities?
• Can you provide an example of a successful media relations campaign you've led, and how you measured its impact?

ASSUMPTION: Norfolk County Council values a strong cultural fit, with candidates who align with their values and work style preferences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, especially during high-profile events
• Working effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including museum directors, curators, and other council departments
• Adapting to the unique context and requirements of each museum within the Norfolk Museums Service
• Balancing the need for strategic, long-term communications planning with the demands of immediate, reactive media engagement

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to navigate these challenges effectively, demonstrating strong organizational skills, adaptability, and resilience.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on museums within a local government context, offering a blend of strategic communications, event planning, and media relations
• Compared to roles in private sector communications agencies or in-house corporate communications teams, this role offers a greater degree of autonomy and direct impact on the community
• Career progression may involve moving into senior communications roles within the council or other cultural institutions, or specializing in a particular aspect of communications, such as media relations or event planning

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and opportunities, with a strong focus on community engagement and cultural heritage.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing the grand opening event for the new Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum Partnership
• Managing media relations for a high-profile exhibition or temporary installation within one of the ten museums
• Developing and implementing a strategic communications plan to raise awareness of Norfolk County Council's cultural services and their value to the community

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities within this role, from event planning and management to strategic communications and media relations.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first three to six months?
• How does this role fit into the wider communications strategy for Norfolk County Council and its museums?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the wider council?
• How does the council support work-life balance, particularly for roles with flexible or hybrid work arrangements?
• What is the council's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the team, and the council's priorities, while also providing insight into the work environment and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://careers.norfolk.gov.uk/#
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching Norfolk County Council, its museums, and the cultural sector
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the role's responsibilities, the team, and the council's priorities
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.