Communications and Engagement Lead - #2122299

We are recruiting on behalf of a major public-sector organisation for two experienced Communications and Engagement Leads. One post will focus on strategic growth and place-making, while the other will support a significant mass-transit programme. The roles offer a day rate of up to £500 per day and require candidates to work on site in Bristol two days per week.

These high-profile roles will lead communications, engagement and consultation for some of the region’s most significant growth, infrastructure and transport programmes. You will build public understanding, stakeholder confidence and political support by developing compelling narratives and creating meaningful opportunities for communities to help shape the region’s future.

Working across the organisation’s Communications and Marketing function and the relevant Transport or Place directorate, you will operate in a collaborative, matrix-managed environment and work with senior leaders, partner authorities, communities, consultants and regional and national stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and delivering proactive communications, engagement and consultation activity
• Developing clear, compelling narratives that communicate the vision for inclusive growth, infrastructure, place-making and sustainable transport
• Leading public consultations from design and promotion through to project management, analysis, interpretation and reporting
• Ensuring engagement is inclusive and reaches diverse communities across the region, including groups that can be harder to reach
• Building and managing productive relationships with local, regional and national stakeholders, partner unitary authorities and communities
• Working across major programmes to ensure messaging and engagement approaches are coordinated and consistent
• Managing external communications, engagement, consultation and public affairs consultants through appropriate contractual arrangements
• Preparing briefings for senior leaders, identifying communications opportunities and risks, and advising on reputation management and mitigation
• Working with the wider Communications and Marketing team to raise the profile and reach of the programmes in line with the organisation’s communications strategy, brand, visual identity, tone of voice and key messages

Experience required:

• Strong knowledge of communications, engagement and consultation principles in a public sector environment
• Experience delivering communications and engagement programmes for complex, high-profile transport, infrastructure, growth or place-based projects
• A proven ability to develop and implement communications and engagement strategies
• Experience leading or overseeing public consultation and community engagement activity
• A track record of building productive relationships with stakeholders who have differing priorities and interests
• Experience operating effectively in a political environment, with strong political awareness, judgement, tact and diplomacy
• Excellent writing, presentation, influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills
• The ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible messages for a broad audience
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders, build consensus and work collaboratively within a matrix-management structure

We are acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

We aim to respond to all applications personally; however, due to the volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.