At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications for the SKYNET 6 Programme, engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Defence sector, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, holiday pay, pension contributions, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor others and grow within a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Shape strategic communications in a high-stakes environment and enhance your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector communications, strong writing skills, and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Communications requires current SC clearance.
Program Overview
Support the delivery of the SKYNET 6 Programme, working with the Delivery Portfolio Management Office and broader programme leadership to provide structured, proactive communications and engagement across complex, multi-stakeholder engagements.
Main Responsibilities
- Plan, draft and issue regular internal programme updates on behalf of the SRO.
- Write and publish external communications following key programme milestones.
- Maintain and update core communications artefacts, including the SKYNET 6 Communications Strategy, events calendar and lines to take.
- Ensure communications align with the wider business and Defence Digital messaging and initiatives.
- Coordinate SKYNET 6 engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including cross-government partners.
- Lead the organisation of programme events, typically one to two per year, working with senior leaders to agree purpose, agenda and speakers.
- Support external visits, meetings and conferences, including preparation of briefings and speaker notes for senior leaders.
- Coordinate responses to stakeholder requests and press enquiries, working with the appropriate teams.
- Provide structured communications and engagement support to the SRO and Programme Director.
- Track senior leader priorities and actions, ensuring progress is maintained and dependencies are managed.
- Provide practical advice on engagement, leadership visibility and relationship management, offering clear options and recommendations.
- Support cross-government engagement activity, including ministerial and senior official interactions.
- Join up communications and engagement across the SKYNET leadership community, ensuring consistent messaging and awareness.
- Provide mentoring and informal training to Crown Servant staff on communications and engagement best practice.
Benefits
- Competitive day rate (PAYE)
- Holiday Pay
- 4% pension contributions
- Travel expenses paid
- Hotel accommodation paid
- Evening meal allowance
About You – Essential
- Proven experience delivering communications and engagement in complex public sector programmes, ideally within defence or national security.
- Strong written communication skills, with experience drafting on behalf of senior leaders.
- Experience working with senior Defence stakeholders across government and industry.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments and maintain momentum without formal authority.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to track actions, priorities and dependencies across multiple stakeholders.
- Proactive: Anticipates needs, suggests actions and drives progress rather than waiting for direction.
- Resilient: Comfortable pushing for outcomes and maintaining focus where priorities shift.
- Credible: Able to challenge senior stakeholders constructively and with confidence.
- Collaborative: Works effectively across organisational boundaries, leaders and diverse teams.
About You – Desirable
- Experience of MOD and/or Defence Digital environments.
- Previous experience of large-scale infrastructure or technology programmes.
Communications & Engagement Lead (FTC) employer: Aeropeople Limited
Contact Detail:
Aeropeople Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications & Engagement Lead (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in defence or public sector communications. Attend industry events and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their communication strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through examples! When discussing your experience, use specific instances where you successfully managed communications or stakeholder engagement. This will help us see your potential impact in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications & Engagement Lead (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in communications and engagement, especially in complex public sector programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the SKYNET 6 Programme.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, include examples of your previous work where you've drafted communications for senior leaders. We love seeing clear, concise writing that demonstrates your ability to convey important messages effectively.
Highlight Your Stakeholder Experience: Don’t forget to mention your experience working with senior Defence stakeholders and cross-government partners. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex relationships, so share any relevant examples that showcase your collaborative skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aeropeople Limited
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the company and its stakeholders. Understand their communication style and priorities, especially in the defence sector. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you can engage effectively with senior leaders.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since strong written communication is key for this role, prepare examples of your previous work. Bring along samples of internal updates or external communications you've drafted. Be ready to discuss how you ensure clarity and alignment with broader messaging.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Be prepared to share instances where you've anticipated needs and driven progress without waiting for direction. Highlight specific situations where you took the initiative to solve problems or improve communication processes in complex environments.
✨Engagement Strategy Insights
Think about how you would approach stakeholder engagement for the SKYNET 6 Programme. Prepare to discuss your strategies for coordinating with diverse teams and managing relationships across government and industry. This will show your understanding of the role's requirements.