Community Engagement Officer in Darlington

Salary: Dependent on experience

Location: Darlington / Hybrid Working

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Benefits: Excellent benefits package

Your new company

About NEP & Net Zero North Sea Storage Limited

Join one of the UK's most exciting and pioneering projects - the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) is developing onshore and offshore infrastructure needed to transport CO2 from carbon capture projects across Teesside - to secure storage under the North Sea. The infrastructure is crucial to achieving net-zero in the UK's most carbon-intensive industrial regions.

This is a first-of-its-kind, utterly unique and extremely exciting start-up organisation. NEP is an incorporated joint venture established solely to develop and operate CO₂ transportation and storage infrastructure on behalf of the NEP shareholders - BP, Equinor and Total Energies.

Why Join NEP?

• Be part of a groundbreaking project that will transform both the UK's energy landscape and the local Tees Valley community.
• Work in a dynamic start-up environment with significant investment and growth plans.
• Collaborate with industry leaders and government stakeholders.
• Modern offices in central Darlington, close to the train station and with free onsite parking.
• Flexible & hybrid working pattern.

Context

As our offshore construction increases, maintaining strong relationships with the communities where we operate is more important than ever. We are committed to being a responsible neighbour, listening to local concerns, creating positive opportunities, and ensuring the benefits of our work are shared with the communities affected by our activities. The Community Engagement Officer will play a key role in building trusted local relationships, supporting social value initiatives, and acting as a visible and accessible point of contact for stakeholders and community groups.

Role Purpose

The Community Engagement Officer serves as the primary day-to-day link between the project and local communities, helping to build trust, manage concerns and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders throughout project development and delivery. The role will lead community engagement activities, coordinate responses to enquiries, support stakeholder relationships and help deliver social value commitments that provide meaningful benefits to communities affected by the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Community Engagement
• Act as the first point of contact for local residents, businesses and community groups.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key community stakeholders.
• Attend community meetings, forums, exhibitions and local events.
• Support delivery of community engagement and consultation programmes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships and improve understanding of the project.
• Enquiries & Complaints Management
• Manage incoming community enquiries and complaints through agreed processes.
• Investigate issues with project teams and contractors.
• Ensure timely responses and resolution of actions.
• Monitor recurring themes and provide insight reports to management.
• Maintain accurate stakeholder and engagement records.
• Social Value & Community Benefit
• Support the delivery of social value commitments across the project and supply chain.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local schools, colleges, charities, community organisations and voluntary groups.
• Identify opportunities for local employment, skills development, STEM engagement and community investment.
• Coordinate volunteering activities, educational outreach and social value initiatives.
• Track and report on social value outcomes and community benefits delivered by the project.
• Work with contractors and partners to promote and maximise local opportunities in areas impacted by project activity.
• Work with colleagues to capture and share positive community impact stories and case studies.
• Ensure social value activities respond to local community needs and priorities.
• Stakeholder Relations
• Maintain stakeholder databases and engagement plans.
• Support relationships with local authorities, parish councils, elected representatives and community organisations.
• Attend stakeholder liaison groups, community forums, parish council meetings and other stakeholder engagement activities, building positive relationships and representing the project within local communities.
• Prepare briefing materials and engagement updates.
• Monitor community sentiment and identify emerging issues.
• Events & Outreach
• Organise public information events, site visits and stakeholder meetings.
• Represent the organisation at local events and exhibitions.
• Coordinate event logistics, materials, and follow-up actions.
• Support the delivery of community investment and social value initiatives.
• Reporting & Administration
• Produce regular engagement and stakeholder reports.
• Track KPIs relating to community engagement and social value activity.
• Maintain accurate records of meetings, commitments and actions.
• Ensure compliance with engagement and consultation requirements.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, social value, customer service, communications or public affairs.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues and complaints professionally.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.

Desirable

• Experience working within infrastructure, energy, construction or major projects.
• Knowledge of community consultation and engagement practices.
• Understanding of social value delivery and community investment programmes.
• Experience working with local authorities, elected representatives and community groups.

Personal Attributes

• Approachable and empathetic.
• Confident communicator.
• Strong relationship builder.
• Calm under pressure.
• Proactive and solutions-focused.
• Highly organised and self-motivated.
• Able to build trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.