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- Tasks: Lead a transformative SEND programme, shaping communication strategies and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Company: Join a large public sector organisation making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, impactful work, and the chance to influence positive change.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of SEND transformation, driving engagement and collaboration for better outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior communications roles and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work until March 2026 with a focus on meaningful community impact.
Day Rate: £400–£600 (Inside IR35)
Contract: Interim until the end of March 2026
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Communication & Engagement Manager to lead a high-profile SEND transformation programme for a large public sector organisation. This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering a unified communications and engagement strategy across a multi-agency SEND partnership, funded by the Department for Education.
You will work collaboratively with local authorities, health partners, education settings, parent carer forums, and youth groups to co-design and implement a sustainable communications infrastructure that improves engagement, confidence, and understanding within the SEND community. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on SEND services and outcomes for children and families. You’ll be at the heart of a transformation programme, working with passionate partners to deliver lasting change.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for a partnership-wide communications approach, including brand development and narrative alignment.
- Champion co-production with children, young people, and families to ensure their voices inform all engagement activities.
- Develop innovative multichannel communication strategies, including social media, video, and podcasts.
- Influence senior leaders and stakeholders to deliver a compelling, unified narrative about SEND improvements.
- Build capacity across cross-sector communications teams and embed best practice.
- Monitor and evaluate impact, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and reporting to the Department for Education.
About You
- Proven experience in a senior communications leadership role within a complex, multi-agency environment.
- Strong strategic planning and change leadership skills.
- Expert knowledge of the SEND system and co-production principles.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Advanced skills in multichannel communications and brand development.
- Programme and project management expertise with evidence of delivering large-scale initiatives at pace.
Communications and Engagement Lead (SEND) employer: hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
Contact Detail:
hays-gcj-v4-pd-online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications and Engagement Lead (SEND)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the SEND sector through LinkedIn or local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous work in strategic communications and engagement. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to organisations you admire and express your interest in potential opportunities. Sometimes, they might have roles that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of standing out to hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications and Engagement Lead (SEND)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Communications and Engagement Lead role. Highlight your experience in strategic communications and engagement, especially within multi-agency environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the outcomes of your work. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've improved engagement or led successful communication strategies. We love seeing measurable results!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you, especially when it comes to working with children, young people, and families in the SEND community. Share your passion!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the SEND system and co-production principles. Familiarise yourself with recent developments and challenges in the sector, as this will show your passion and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in strategic planning and change leadership. Think about specific projects where you've successfully led communications initiatives and how you managed to align narratives across different stakeholders.
✨Engagement is Key
Be ready to discuss how you've championed co-production with children, young people, and families in previous roles. Share concrete examples of how you’ve ensured their voices were heard and integrated into engagement activities.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Demonstrate your ability to monitor and evaluate impact using data-driven insights. Prepare to talk about how you've used data to inform decision-making in past projects, especially in relation to communications strategies.
