Communications Officer

Communications Officer (Together for Children) – Part-Time Contract Job in Sunderland

Communications Officer – Together for Children

Employer: Sunderland City Council
Organisation: Together for Children (TfC)
Job Title: Communications Officer
Salary: £30,001 – £40,000 per year
Job Type: Contract – Temporary Maternity Cover
Hours: Part-time
Location: Sunderland, SR1 3AA
Working Pattern: Hybrid – remote and office-based working
Contract Length: Potentially up to 12 months
Posted: 24 August 2026
Closing Date: 6 September 2026

Job Overview

Sunderland City Council is recruiting a Communications Officer to join Together for Children (TfC) on a temporary maternity cover contract, potentially lasting up to 12 months.

Together for Children is the children’s services partner of Sunderland City Council, delivering important services and support for children, young people and families across Sunderland.

The organisation is responsible for Children’s Social Care, Early Help and Education, working to improve outcomes for children and families across the city.

TfC has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted and has a clear focus on improving children’s lives, keeping children safe and helping every child reach their potential.

This opportunity is suited to an experienced communications professional who is passionate about communications, public engagement and making a positive difference to children and young people.

About the Role

As a Communications Officer, you will help plan and deliver integrated communications campaigns and support communications, marketing and public affairs activity on behalf of Together for Children.

You will work closely with the Senior Manager and become part of a collaborative communications team working across both Sunderland City Council and Together for Children.

The role will involve working with internal teams, external partners and suppliers, including design agencies and PR consultancies, to deliver the organisation’s communications strategy.

You will also help ensure that Together for Children’s work, priorities and achievements are effectively reflected across wider Sunderland City Council communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver integrated communications campaigns.
• Support communications, marketing and public affairs activity.
• Work closely with the Senior Manager and wider communications team.
• Develop communications promoting the work and priorities of Together for Children.
• Work collaboratively with Sunderland City Council colleagues.
• Manage relationships with external partners and communications suppliers.
• Work with design agencies and PR consultancies where required.
• Support delivery of the Together for Children communications strategy.
• Raise awareness of services and support available to children, young people and families.
• Promote achievements and success across Together for Children.
• Evaluate and analyse communications campaigns.
• Help colleagues understand campaign performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve communications activity.
• Communicate complex issues in clear and accessible language.
• Ensure communications support shared TfC and Sunderland City Council objectives.
• Contribute to activities that protect, influence and enhance organisational reputation.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate should have:

• Experience planning and delivering integrated communications campaigns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• An understanding of communications, marketing and public affairs.
• Experience working collaboratively with different teams and stakeholders.
• Experience evaluating communications activity and analysing campaign performance.
• An understanding of reputation management.
• Awareness of the political landscape.
• Experience working with external suppliers and partners.
• A commitment to putting children and young people first.
• The ability to translate organisational priorities into effective communications.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, combining remote working with office-based working according to organisational requirements.

The position may also involve some evening and weekend work around key events.

Why Work for Sunderland City Council?

Employees can access a range of benefits offered by Sunderland City Council.

Applicants should review the employer’s benefits information and the attached job description for full details.

Important Application Information

Applications must be completed online through the North East Jobs recruitment service.

CVs are not accepted for this vacancy.

All application-related communication will be sent to the email address registered with North East Jobs.

Applicants should regularly check their inbox following the closing date and also check their junk/spam folder.

Informal Enquiries

Hayley Ford
Email: hayley.ford@sunderland.gov.uk

Jemma Burdis
Email: Jemma.Burdis@sunderland.gov.uk

For application support:

Email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online before:

Closing Date: 6 September 2026

Important Note for Applicants

This vacancy is advertised by Sunderland City Council through the UK Government Work Hub.

Applicants should carefully review the official job description and application requirements before applying.

CVs are not acceptable for this vacancy.

Job Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a full-time job?
No. The vacancy is advertised as a part-time contract position.

Is the role permanent?
No. It is temporary maternity cover, potentially lasting up to 12 months.

Is the role remote?
It is a hybrid role, involving both remote and office-based working.

Where is the job located?
The advertised location is Sunderland, SR1 3AA.

Is a CV required?
No. The employer specifically states that CVs are not acceptable.

When is the application deadline?
The closing date is 6 September 2026.

Can the role involve weekend or evening work?
Yes. Some evening and weekend work may be required around key events.

Does the vacancy mention visa sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship?
The supplied vacancy information does not state that visa sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship is available. Applicants requiring sponsorship should confirm their eligibility directly with the employer before applying.

Apply Now

If you have experience delivering communications campaigns and want to contribute to services supporting children, young people and families, this could be an opportunity to consider.

Apply before 6 September 2026.

Source: UK Government Work Hub / Sunderland City Council
Vacancy: Communications Officer (Together for Children)