Interim Strategic Communications and Engagement Lead - Greater Essex Combined County Authority

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an Interim Strategic Communications and Engagement Lead. This pivotal role involves leading communications and engagement initiatives for the Greater Essex Combined County Authority during its transformative development. Candidates should have a strong background in strategic communications, experience in complex environments, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a flexible contract type, part time or full time, with an attractive salary up to £500 per day or between £58,332 to £68,626 annually, pro rata.

Qualifications

• Evidence of professional development in strategic communications or public affairs.
• Experience leading communications in complex or political environments.
• Strong understanding of local government and devolution.
• Experience managing media relations, digital channels and campaigns.
• Experience in start‑up or newly formed organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic communications for Greater Essex Combined County Authority.
• Establish the authority’s brand identity and communications architecture.
• Design and deliver the stakeholder engagement programme.
• Act as primary media contact and manage GECCA's digital presence.
• Lead internal communications to support staff engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Excellent written and verbal communication

High political awareness

Job description

Interim Strategic Communications and Engagement Lead - Greater Essex Combined County Authority

External Partner

Fixed Term, Part Time (Maximum 12 months)

Temporary or FTC/Secondment – part time or full time (Salary within advert)

Location: Countywide

Closing Date: 14th December 2025

Salary Information: Temporary up to £500 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or FTC/Secondment from £58,332 to £68,626 per annum, pro rata (this role is open to part time or full time applicants)

Overview

Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.

This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authority, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.

Purpose of the Role

• Lead the development of Greater Essex Combined County 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 Greater Essex Combined County 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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement GECCA’s 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 GECCA’s stakeholder engagement programme.
• Support parliamentary and government engagement.
• Represent GECCA at regional and national forums.

Media Relations and Digital Presence

• Act as primary media contact.
• Lead GECCA’s 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 GECCA’s values and behaviours.
• Develop internal channels and feedback mechanisms.

Governance, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Establish KPIs and evaluation frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Contribute to reporting, risk management and assurance.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile (Essentials)

• Evidence of professional development and expert knowledge in strategic communications or public affairs.
• 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.
• Experience shaping public narrative and building stakeholder trust.
• Experience in start‑up or newly formed organisations.

*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set‑up stage of the interim Combined County Authority.

This role is being recruited on behalf of Southend‑on‑Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council. It is being managed by Essex Shared Services. If you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion, contact Samantha Myddelton ([e-mail], 0333 013 0098) or Sadie Orwell ([e-mail], 0333 032 2356).

Contact the Essex Shared Services team for any accessibility or disability adjustments at [e-mail].

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click ‘APPLY’ to begin your application.

Closing date for applications: 14th December 2025 at 23:59pm.