At a Glance
- Tasks: Create impactful communication strategies and engage with stakeholders in a high-profile environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on significant projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, professional environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping communication in a complex and sensitive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, stakeholder management, and ability to simplify complex information.
We are currently seeking experienced Communications & Engagement Specialists to support a high-profile programme operating within a complex, highly regulated, and sensitive environment. This role will sit within a central strategic communications function, providing specialist expertise in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of communications and stakeholder engagement activity aligned to wider organisational and programme objectives.
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing communication strategies, shaping internal and external messaging, supporting senior leadership teams, and delivering effective engagement activity designed to build trust, improve stakeholder understanding, and support critical programme delivery within a secure and high-profile operating environment. This is an excellent opportunity for communications professionals with experience working within complex organisations where confidentiality, professionalism, and strategic stakeholder management are essential.
Key Responsibilities- Develop, plan, and deliver high-quality communication strategies aligned to wider organisational and programme objectives.
- Produce clear, consistent, and impactful communications across multiple channels including digital platforms, internal communications, stakeholder updates, and leadership briefings.
- Work closely with senior leaders and programme teams to advise on communication strategy, audience engagement, messaging frameworks, and communication planning.
- Lead engagement activity with both internal and external stakeholders, building trusted relationships and ensuring communications are tailored appropriately to different audiences.
- Support the development and delivery of strategic communications activity within a complex and highly regulated operating environment.
- Produce high-quality written communication materials including: Communication Plans, Stakeholder Engagement Strategies, Key Messaging Frameworks, Briefing Packs, Q&A Documents, Talking Points for Senior Leadership.
- Translate complex, technical, or sensitive information into clear and accessible messaging suitable for a wide range of audiences.
- Monitor communication effectiveness, gather stakeholder feedback, analyse engagement performance, and recommend continuous improvements.
- Ensure all communications activities comply fully with governance procedures, confidentiality requirements, security protocols, and organisational policies.
- Support wider teams in fostering a strong communication culture and effective information sharing across business functions.
- Contribute to the successful delivery of broader programme objectives through strategic communication support and stakeholder management expertise.
- Proven experience working in senior communications, engagement, or strategic communications roles.
- Previous experience working within government, defence, national security, public sector, or other highly regulated environments.
- Exceptional copywriting, editorial, and written communication skills across multiple communication formats.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with senior leadership teams and sensitive stakeholder groups.
- Proven experience developing and delivering communications strategies and engagement plans.
- Ability to work with high levels of discretion, professionalism, and integrity within confidential or secure environments.
- Experience advising senior stakeholders and influencing communication approaches at leadership level.
- Ability to simplify complex or technical information into clear, accessible messaging for varied audiences.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Previous experience working within central government communications frameworks.
- Knowledge of the UK national security landscape, government programmes, or classified environments.
- Understanding of behavioural insights, audience segmentation, and communication targeting strategies.
- Experience developing strategic narratives to support organisational objectives and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience operating within politically sensitive or highly scrutinised environments.
- Background supporting large-scale transformation, infrastructure, or national programmes.
We are seeking a highly professional communications specialist who can operate confidently within complex and sensitive environments while delivering strategic communication activity that drives engagement, supports organisational objectives, and builds trust with key stakeholders. You will be an exceptional communicator, capable of influencing senior stakeholders, managing complex messaging requirements, and translating technical information into meaningful and effective communication strategies. You will thrive in fast-paced environments where professionalism, discretion, and strategic thinking are essential.
Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate will bring extensive communications and stakeholder engagement experience gained within highly regulated, government, defence, security, or similarly complex environments. You will be confident advising senior leaders, managing sensitive communications activity, and developing strategic communication plans that support major programme delivery while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and stakeholder trust. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced communications professional seeking to work on a high-profile programme within a strategically important and complex operating environment.
Communications & Engagement Specialist in Cheltenham employer: Mane Contract Services
As a leading organisation in the public sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values professionalism and integrity. Our Communications & Engagement Specialists play a pivotal role in shaping impactful communication strategies within a highly regulated environment, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on building trust with stakeholders, we provide a unique platform for meaningful engagement and career advancement in a secure and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications & Engagement Specialist in Cheltenham
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Mane Contract Services. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Mane Contract Services, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Mane Contract Services inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications & Engagement Specialist in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Mane Contract Services. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Mane Contract Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
