Communications and Engagement Officer – Transport

East Midlands Combined Authority

Salary: £42,708 - £47,754

Location: Chesterfield

Ref: OT704

Closing date: 20th January – Midday

Join us as our Communications and Engagement Officer to grow the profile of our new organisation, so we can put the East Midlands on the map.

Welcome to EMCCA

EMCCA is the UK’s first mayor-led combined county authority. The East Midlands is a great region. But it deserves to be better. Better connected, better funded and better prepared for a future of opportunity, growth, and hope. EMCCA will oversee devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and net zero. We will conceive the strategies and create the connections that will empower local partners, people and businesses – maximising the impact of billions of pounds of funding. Together, our new EMCCA team can put the East Midlands on the map as a place to live, work and study.

Your role in elevating the East Midlands

As a Communications and Engagement Officer for Transport, you will develop and deliver an innovative communications and engagement plan to support EMCCA’s first Local Transport Plan. In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of an engagement and consultation strategy, plan and deliver effective campaigns, events, media relations, and engagement activities.

Working closely with colleagues in the Transport and Communications Directorates and constituent councils, you’ll help to communicate EMCCA’s vision for transport in the region. You will also develop strong working relationships with politicians, partners, external stakeholders, and other opinion formers to effectively tell the story of EMCCA’s transport goals and ambitions.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing an overall strategy and individual engagement plans for specific consultation activity supporting the development of the Local Transport Plan.
Monitoring and evaluating the success of communications activity and engagement plans to ensure a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Proactively reaching out to media to negotiate deadlines, stories and media opportunities, including media briefings, events and photo opportunities.
Working with the Transport and Communication teams on a range of activities, including writing and distributing media releases, e-mail communications, website and social media content, media enquiries and events.
Considering the role of branding in the effective delivery of the transport strategy and objectives, liaising as appropriate with the Mayor’s office and the wider organisation.
Developing communications activity based on insight, data and a solid evidence base.
Ensuring all communications activity is in line with relevant policies and procedures including equality and diversity, health and safety, corporate governance and statutory obligations.

Your profile:

With a relevant degree or equivalent experience, you’ll also have some knowledge of local government and the role of combined authorities.

A proven track record in developing and delivering impactful long-term engagement strategies or consultation programmes.
Strong content creation and digital skills, including creating film and images for social media, managing channels, and interpreting analytics.
Experience of media relations, social media, copywriting, events, and integrated campaigns across print, digital, events, and PR.
Excellent communication and organisational skills, able to manage time effectively, meet tight deadlines, and thrive under pressure.
Strong relationship-building skills, flexible approach, and ability to work effectively in various situations and with diverse people.

Proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Please note: Political Restriction - This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, and the post holder may not have any active political role either in or outside of work.

To apply: https://osbornethomas.org/job_application/4968

For more details on EMCCA, our rewards and benefits, and to apply, please visit: https://eastmidscareers.co.uk

Closing date: 20th January – Midday.