Helping Totnes Stay Connected

Totnes Town Council is seeking to recruit a new Community Communications Officer, a role that reflects the evolving relationship between the Council and the community it serves.

In a town known for its strong civic spirit, independent thinking and active participation, communication is not simply about sharing information. It is about building understanding, trust and connection. This new role has been shaped with that in mind. At its core, the position is about helping residents better understand what their council is doing, why decisions are made and how local people can get involved. It is about making local democracy more visible, accessible and meaningful.

The successful candidate will take the lead on how the Council communicates its work. This includes translating complex reports and decisions into clear, engaging and accessible updates, whether through post-meeting summaries, “You said / we did” feedback, or day-to-day communications across the Council’s website and social media channels. The aim is simply to make it easier for people to stay informed and feel connected to what is in Totnes and the area.

But the role goes beyond publishing information. It also involves working closely with local media, identifying and sharing positive community stories, and supporting the Mayor and councillors in their engagement with residents and partners. In a busy and ever-changing environment, the role will also play a key part in ensuring the Council responds clearly and confidently to emerging issues.

Importantly, this is not a marketing or tourism role. It has been deliberately designed to focus on civic communication and community engagement, on transparency, accountability and participation in public life. That said, Totnes Town Council is a small and collaborative team, and flexibility and a willingness to “muck in” will always be part of the job.

Alongside communications, the role includes developing and delivering community engagement activity, helping more people feel informed, confident and able to take part in local conversations and decisions. Whether supporting public meetings, working with partners, or encouraging new voices to be heard, the role sits at the centre of the Council’s relationship with the community.

The Council is looking for someone with strong writing and digital skills, combined with creativity, sound judgement and a genuine interest in community life. Experience in communications, journalism or engagement would be valuable, but equally important is the ability to connect with people and communicate clearly and purposefully.

This is an opportunity to take on a visible and meaningful role in Totnes, working at the heart of local decision-making and contributing to a more open, engaged and informed community. This is all the more important during a time of great change in how local government works, and at a time when many local people are dealing with a wide range of challenges around social isolation, fuel and food poverty, cost of living worries and many more.

Key details:
• Part-time: 24 hours per week, across four days
• Based in Totnes town centre
• Some evening work required for meetings and events

Key dates:
• Closing date: Monday 10 August 2026 (5pm)
• Shortlisting: Tuesday 18 August 2026
• Interviews: Wednesday 2 September 2026
• Start date: to be agreed

Full details of the role and how to apply can be found on the Totnes Town Council website.