At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver impactful communications strategies for the Combined County Authority and the Mayor.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking authority focused on community engagement and transparency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape modern communications and engage with diverse communities across Sussex.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in communications and experience in politically led environments.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
In this role, you will work closely with the Interim Devolution Chief Officer to lead and deliver an expert communications and engagement function. You will be responsible for shaping and implementing a modern, inclusive, and impactful communications strategy that supports the Combined County Authority and the Mayor. The role is consultative in nature, working collaboratively with partners, communities, and stakeholders to improve outcomes while delivering efficiencies and best value.
Key Responsibilities
- Define the scope, objectives, target audiences, and resources required to deliver an effective communications, partnerships, and consultation strategy for the Combined County Authority and the Mayor.
- Design and implement a communications delivery structure aligned with the Government Communication Service (GCS) best practice, incorporating innovation in technology, AI, automation, and creative delivery.
- Establish a comprehensive communications toolkit, including a delivery blueprint covering core channels (website, intranet, media relations, policy communications, and stakeholder briefings) and a monitoring, evaluation, and learning dashboard to support real-time insight and continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain a platform for ongoing participatory consultation, community co-production, and digital engagement, with a strong focus on reaching underrepresented and hard-to-reach communities across Sussex.
- Lead a collaborative, partnership-based approach to communications that supports transparency, trust, and meaningful engagement with communities and stakeholders.
What You'll Need to Succeed
- You will be an experienced Head of Communications or senior communications professional with proven leadership capability and a strong, practical understanding of modern communications and engagement tools, channels, and best practice.
- Experience of working effectively in politically led environments, with a clear understanding of the practical requirements of supporting democratically elected members.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to translate strategy into clear, deliverable plans.
- Excellent personal credibility, relationship-building, and partnership-working skills.
- The ability to lead, develop, support, and coach high-performing teams to deliver a high-quality, modern communications function.
- A collaborative and consultative approach, with a commitment to improving outcomes while driving efficiency and innovation.
Head Of Communications & Engagement in England employer: Sheer Jobs Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheer Jobs Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Communications & Engagement in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to show how you align with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio or case studies. If you’ve led successful communications strategies before, we suggest putting together examples that highlight your achievements and impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Communications & Engagement in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Communications & Engagement, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, highlight examples where you've successfully developed and implemented communication strategies. We’re looking for someone who can translate complex ideas into clear, actionable plans, so be sure to illustrate your strategic mindset.
Demonstrate Collaborative Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, it’s important to showcase your relationship-building abilities. Share instances where you’ve led teams or collaborated with partners to achieve common goals, as this will resonate well with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheer Jobs Ltd
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Combined County Authority and the Mayor's current communications strategies. Understand their target audiences and how they engage with them. This will help you tailor your responses to show that you can effectively lead and deliver a communications strategy that resonates with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully implemented modern communications tools and strategies. Highlight your experience in politically led environments and how you've supported elected members. This will demonstrate your capability and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role is consultative, be ready to discuss how you've built partnerships and engaged with diverse stakeholders in previous positions. Share stories that illustrate your collaborative approach and how it has led to improved outcomes, especially for underrepresented communities.
✨Be Innovative
Discuss your familiarity with innovative technologies like AI and automation in communications. Prepare to share ideas on how you would incorporate these tools into the communications delivery structure. This shows that you're forward-thinking and ready to implement best practices in line with the Government Communication Service.