Internal Communications Manager

Job Type: Internal Communications Manager
Contract Type: Temporary
Location: Hybrid working (Gateshead, Tyne and Wear)
Rate: £21.65 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm)
Start Date: 21 June 2026
End Date: 18 December 2026

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Internal Communications Manager to join Gateshead Council's Communications team for a six-month assignment. Reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive internal communications and colleague engagement strategy that supports Gateshead Council's strategic priorities and organisational culture.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of a Council-wide colleague engagement strategy aligned to organisational priorities and cultural ambitions.
Act as the strategic lead for internal communications, advising senior leaders, directors and elected members on best practice approaches.
Design and deliver engagement campaigns and initiatives that improve staff understanding, involvement and pride in the organisation.
Review, modernise and optimise all internal communication channels, including the intranet, email communications, leadership communications and face-to-face engagement activities, ensuring they are effective and user-focused.
Develop a clear internal communications framework, including governance, planning, evaluation and messaging consistency.
Lead on major organisational communications, including transformation programmes, change activity and corporate priorities.
Use insight and data, including staff surveys and analytics, to shape activity and measure impact while embedding continuous improvement.
Ensure all communications are clear, inclusive and accessible. What You Need to be Successful Knowledge Essential

Knowledge of internal communications and employee engagement strategy development.
Understanding of best practice in organisational communications and change communications.
Experience of using effective multi-channel internal communications approaches.
Understanding of large, complex organisations. Knowledge of the public sector context would be advantageous. QualificationsEssential

Degree or professional qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. ExperienceEssential

Significant experience leading and delivering internal communications and engagement strategies at a senior level.
Experience advising senior leaders and stakeholders on strategic communications.
Experience managing organisational change communications and complex programmes.
Experience developing and improving internal communication channels and platforms.
Ability to use insight, analytics and benchmarking to measure and demonstrate impact.
Strong content creation skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging messages.
Experience leading cross-organisational projects and delivering outcomes through others.
Proven ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at senior level. Desirable

Experience working within local government or a similarly complex public sector organisaton.
Experience managing teams or leading a communications function.
Apply now
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