Job details
·Location: Cheltenham (4-5 days on site)
·Job type: Contract - Full Time (PAYE)
·Duration: 12 months+
·Hours: 37.5 per week
·Start Date: ASAP
·Rate:
- £65 per hour (SFIA Level 3)
- £85 per hour (SFIA Level 4)
·Security Clearance: A+ Vetting Required
Job description
Communications & Engagement Specialist:
We are currently recruiting for experienced Communications & Engagement Specialists to join a central strategic communications team operating within a complex and highly sensitive national security environment.
This role will focus on shaping, delivering, and evaluating communications and engagement activity that supports strategic objectives, enhances stakeholder understanding, and maintains trust across critical programmes.
You will work closely with senior leaders and programme teams, providing expert communications advice while ensuring all outputs align with strict security and governance requirements.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a communications professional who thrives in high-profile, regulated environments and is confident operating at both a strategic and delivery level.
You will take ownership of communications planning and stakeholder engagement, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and impactful across a range of channels.
Key Responsibilities
·Plan, develop, and deliver clear, consistent, and impactful communications across:
oDigital platforms
oInternal communications
oStakeholder updates
oStrategic briefings and narratives
·Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and programme teams
·Lead and manage stakeholder engagement activities, building strong and trusted relationships
·Produce high-quality written materials, including:
oCommunication plans
oStakeholder engagement strategies
oKey messages and narratives
oTalking points, Q&As, and briefing packs
·Work closely with central communications teams to ensure alignment with organisational objectives
·Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness, providing insights and recommendations for improvement
·Ensure all communications comply with security, confidentiality, and governance requirements
·Support a positive and collaborative communications culture across teams
Requirements
·Proven experience in communications, engagement, or strategic communications roles
·Experience within:
- Government
- Defence
- National security
- Or other complex / highly regulated environments
·Excellent copywriting, editorial, and storytelling skills
·Strong stakeholder management experience, including engagement with senior or sensitive audiences
·Demonstrated experience delivering communications strategies and engagement plans
·Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible messaging
·High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
·Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Desirable Experience
·Experience working within central government communications frameworks
·Knowledge of the UK national security landscape
·Understanding of:
- Behavioural insights
- Audience segmentation
- Strategic narrative development
Footnote
If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the rate, location, or seniority does not suit you specifically, then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Infrastructure & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West's Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, and our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years' experience in this market. Please call James Gillespie at Carrington West on (phone number removed) for more information.
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third-party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent, please contact us
Salary description
£65.00 - £85.00 per hour