Interim Strategic Communications And Engagement Lead

Morgan Law; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority near London is seeking an Interim Strategic Communications and Engagement Lead for a hybrid role on a 1-year fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will lead the Authority's strategic communications and engagement functions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Responsibilities include advising senior leaders, establishing brand identity, and developing engagement strategies. Offering a salary of £500 a day via an umbrella company or pro rata of £58,332 to £68,626.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of local government and devolution.
• Experience managing media relations, digital channels, and campaigns.
• Ability to build trust with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Authority's strategic communications and engagement.
• Establish the Authority's brand identity and voice.
• Develop proactive engagement strategies with partners.

Skills

Experience leading communications in complex or political environments

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

High political awareness

Strong project management skills

Experience managing media relations

Job description

Work for a Local authority near London as an Interim Strategic Communications and Engagement Lead. Hybrid – FTC 1 year

Salary: £500 a day via an umbrella company (inside IR35) or £58,332 to £68,626 pro rata.

5 days a week – 37.5 hours.

Purpose of the Role

Lead the development of the Authority's strategic communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement functions, ensuring alignment with organisational and mayoral priorities.

Provide expert advice to senior leaders on narrative development, reputational risk and media handling.

Establish the Authority's brand identity, voice and communications architecture.

Develop proactive engagement strategies that build strong relationships with partners, residents and national bodies.

Build partnerships and work across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement communications strategy.
• Lead creation of compelling narratives and campaigns.
• Advise senior leaders on reputational risk and crisis communications.
• Ensure coherent messaging and brand identity across all channels.

Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs

• Design and deliver stakeholder engagement programme.
• Support parliamentary and government engagement.
• Represent the authority at regional and national forums.

Media Relations & Digital Presence

• Act as primary media contact.
• Lead digital presence and online engagement.
• Commission and manage external agencies.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility and transparency standards.

Internal Communications & Culture

• Lead internal communications to support staff engagement and culture.
• Work with HR to embed values and behaviours.
• Develop internal channels and feedback mechanisms.

What we look for

• Experience leading communications in complex or political environments.
• Strong understanding of local government and devolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing media relations, digital channels and campaigns.
• High political awareness and ability to build trust with senior stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills.

What we offer

• Salary: £500 a day via an umbrella company (inside IR35) or £58,332 to £68,626 pro rata.
• 5 days week – 37.5 hours.
• FTC 1 year