At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communication strategies for impactful public sector projects and engage with communities.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation in Chesterfield with a focus on community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hybrid work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and immediate start.
- Why this job: Shape public narratives and connect with diverse communities on high-profile issues.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, especially within the public sector, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sellick Partnership is currently recruiting for an experienced Communications and Engagement Specialist to join our client based in Chesterfield. This role is offered on a part time, hybrid basis.
The duties of the Communications and Engagement Specialist will include:
- Lead the development and delivery of communication and engagement strategies for sensitive, complex, and high-profile projects, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with affected residents and communities, particularly in situations that are high-impact, emotive, or contentious.
- Provide expert communications support to local authorities and public sector organisations, aligning messaging with policy, regulatory, and political considerations.
- Manage complex stakeholder environments, engaging effectively with elected members, strategic partners, community leaders, and representative groups.
- Plan and deliver proactive and reactive media engagement strategies, including preparing statements, managing press enquiries, and mitigating reputational risk, including potential national media interest.
- Offer strategic communications advice to senior stakeholders while also delivering hands-on support, including drafting briefings, consultation materials, reports, and public-facing content.
- Coordinate and respond to real-time communications challenges, ensuring accurate, timely, and appropriate responses across multiple channels.
- Support consultation and engagement activities, ensuring inclusive and meaningful participation from diverse audiences.
- Monitor public sentiment, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback, adapting approaches to manage risks and maintain trust.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with project teams, policy leads, and partners to ensure communications are embedded throughout project delivery.
The Communications and Engagement Specialist will ideally have:
- Previous experience in a similar role
- Previous experience within the public sector
- Proven ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
- Extensive experience delivering communications and engagement for sensitive and complex projects
The Communications and Engagement Specialist will need to have excellent communication skills and effectively be able to communicate to stakeholders of all levels. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have an impeccable eye for detail and accuracy to ensure all workload is carried out effectively and efficiently. They will also need to be able to prioritise their workload and be efficient and effective to meet unpredictable deadlines and deal with conflicting demands, whilst working in a high-pressured environment.
Our client is hoping to have the Communications and Engagement Specialist in the role as soon as possible, therefore if you believe your experience meets the criteria above, please contact Charlotte Broomfield by Thursday 28th May by 5pm by submitting your CV directly.
Communications Specialist employer: Sellick Partnership
Sellick Partnership is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chesterfield that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee engagement and collaboration, the company provides competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements, including part-time and hybrid options. Employees benefit from the opportunity to work on high-profile public sector projects, enhancing their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Communications Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in handling sensitive communications and engaging with diverse communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your past roles, focus on specific challenges you faced in communications and how you successfully navigated them, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can make a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Communications Specialist. Highlight your experience in developing communication strategies and managing stakeholder relationships, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully handled complex communications or engagement projects. We love seeing real-life applications!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We want to see your ability to communicate effectively, just like you would in the role!
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 promptly. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the public sector organisation and its recent projects. Understanding their communication strategies and community engagement efforts will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your ability to manage complex stakeholder environments and deliver effective communication strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle real-time communications challenges. Think of a few scenarios where you had to respond quickly to media inquiries or manage public sentiment, and be ready to discuss your thought process and actions.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Communications in the public sector often require a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Be prepared to discuss how you balance these two aspects in your work, and provide examples of how you've successfully aligned messaging with policy and regulatory considerations.
