HS2 Ltd's External Affairs Director leads all external and internal communications, media relations, and stakeholder and workforce engagement for the railway programme. The post covers crisis handling, countering inaccurate claims, building HS2's reputation and leading the public affairs team. It is senior and high-profile, representing the programme across government, parliament and the regions and engaging the supply chain. The first assessment is based solely on evidence in a tailored CV, which is anonymised at the first stage.
What the job involves
- Accountable for all external and internal communications, media relations, and stakeholder and workforce engagement
- Lead strategic horizon scanning, identify emerging trends and shape messaging
- Lead HS2's media relations, including issues and crisis management and countering inaccurate claims
- Monitor press coverage
- Lead proactive engagement of the workforce across HS2 Ltd and the supply chain for safe, efficient delivery at the lowest feasible cost
- Build HS2's reputation as an expert delivery organisation, leading externally facing campaigns and telling the railway's story
- Set the strategy for the public affairs team and engage senior stakeholders nationally and along the route
- Represent HS2 at the highest level across government, parliament and the regions, and liaise with the HS2 Commissioner
- Advise on day-to-day reactive media handling and communicate longer-term strategic objectives
- Promote and embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all work and comply with EDI policies
What’s required
Experience
- Working with local councils, government and private sector organisations
- Leading the development, delivery and measurement of media relations strategies and campaigns
- Operating in a contentious or complex environment with media, parliamentary, business and stakeholder engagement
- Extensive experience in a high-profile, fast-paced matrix organisation
- Extensive experience leading a public affairs team to a high standard
- Operating in a highly commercial environment on a high-value, high-profile programme
Skills & knowledge
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication, explaining complex, sensitive issues persuasively to varied audiences
- Strong analytical skills, interpreting changing landscapes and stakeholder views
- Influencing and managing stakeholders at senior executive level
- Leadership and team management
- Political awareness and understanding
- Knowledge of British media and press operations, news cycles and government communications processes
What’s offered
- Flexible working
- Reasonable adjustments
- Staff networks
- Personal and professional development opportunities
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
