At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and engagement for major growth and transport programmes in the West of England.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking authority shaping the future of the region.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment focused on inclusive, sustainable growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team at the heart of regional transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community's future through strategic communication.
- Qualifications: Strong communicator with experience in public sector engagement and consultation.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Role and team
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint two Communications and Engagement Leads, one to support our Strategic Growth & Place Team and another, our Mass Transit Team.
Your key responsibilities would be to build public understanding, stakeholder confidence and political support for some of the region’s most significant programmes, shaping how the West of England grows over the coming decades.
We’re looking for a dynamic, strategic communicator who is passionate about inclusive, sustainable growth and the future of our region.
This is your opportunity to help craft the story of how we deliver new homes, jobs, infrastructure and a transformational mass transit system.
This is a critical time in our transformation and growth journey, and you’ll be pivotal in helping us achieve our ambitions by: Supporting the development of compelling narratives around growth, infrastructure, transport and place making.
Developing and delivering proactive engagement and consultation activity across major programmes.
Ensuring consistency of messaging and engagement approaches across strategic growth initiatives.
Completing high quality public consultations that reach diverse communities across the region.
Providing expert advice to senior leaders on communications risks, opportunities and reputation management.
What you’ll be doing
Are you someone who can translate complex technical information into clear messages, build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, and ultimately always focuses on inclusive, meaningful engagement?
- Lead communications, engagement and consultation activity across major growth or transport programmes.
- Build and manage relationships with local, regional and national stakeholders to secure confidence and support.
- Work closely with delivery teams to ensure a coherent, coordinated regional narrative around economic growth.
- Plan and lead public consultations from design and promotion to analysis and dissemination.
- Manage external consultants delivering communications, engagement and consultation work.
- Operate effectively within a matrix managed environment, collaborating across directorates and programmes.
- Support senior leaders with briefings, advice and insight.
- Develop brand identity for major programmes.
- What you’ll bring
You’ll be a confident communicator with: Strong understanding of communications, engagement and consultation principles in a public sector environment.
Experience delivering communications and engagement for complex, high profile transport or infrastructure projects.
Proven ability to develop and implement communications and engagement strategies.
Experience delivering or overseeing public consultation and community engagement activity.
Excellent interpersonal skills, political sensitivity, tact and diplomacy.
Ability to develop compelling narratives around complex policy and delivery programmes.
- We’re particularly interested in people who bring
- Understanding of local, regional and national context around strategic growth, place or transport.
- Knowledge of how major projects are developed, approved and funded.
- Experience managing consultation related contracts or project workstreams.
Why choose us?
This team sits at the heart of shaping the future of the West of England, from new homes and innovation districts to a transformational mass transit system.
You’ll join a collaborative, forward thinking organisation committed to inclusive, sustainable growth.
Find out more
If this sounds like your next opportunity, there’s more information for you in the job description.
There’s more role-related information in the job description, but if you have any questions for the recruitment team you can contact us on Resourcing@westofengland-ca. gov. uk.
The closing date for this role is midnight on Sunday 16th August.
The interviews are planned to be held w/c 1st September 2026 but please note the date may change.
If you aren’t the right opportunity for you right now, you may keep up to date with future roles.
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Communications and Engagement Lead in Bristol employer: West of England Mayor
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where the Mayoral Support Officer will play a crucial role in facilitating the Mayor's engagements and ensuring smooth operations within the office. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values professional development and continuous improvement, alongside the unique opportunity to contribute to impactful local governance. With a focus on high-quality support and a commitment to public service, this position provides meaningful work that directly influences the community.
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We think this is how you could land Communications and Engagement Lead in Bristol
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We think you need these skills to ace Communications and Engagement Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
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How to prepare for a job interview at West of England Mayor
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Before your interview with West of England Mayor, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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