Job Alert: Communications & Engagement Specialist (12-Month Contract)
Location: Cheltenham, UK (Hybrid options available)
Duration: 12-Month Contract (August 2026 – August 2027)
Sector: National Security / Public Sector / Defence
The Opportunity
Are you a senior communications professional who excels in complex, high-stakes environments? Do you have a knack for turning intricate strategic narratives into compelling, accessible messaging?
We are seeking a Communications & Engagement Specialist to join a central strategic team operating at the heart of a highly sensitive and regulated landscape. This is a unique opportunity to shape, deliver, and evaluate impactful communications that support critical, national-level objectives and maintain high-level stakeholder trust.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Delivery: Plan and execute clear, consistent, and impactful campaigns across digital platforms, internal channels, and stakeholder updates.
- Leadership Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and programme teams, guiding them on audience needs, messaging, and communication risks.
- Content Creation: Produce exceptional written materials, including comprehensive communication plans, stakeholder strategies, briefing packs, talking points, and Q&As.
- Stakeholder Management: Lead engagement initiatives with sensitive internal and external stakeholder groups, building robust relationships based on discretion and integrity.
- Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities, leveraging insights to drive continuous improvement.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Track Record: Solid experience in senior communications or engagement roles, ideally within Government, Defence, National Security, or a similarly highly regulated environment.
- Exceptional Storytelling: Superb copywriting and editorial skills with the ability to translate complex, technical data into clear, engaging content.
- High Discretion: Demonstrated ability to operate with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and adherence to strict security governance.
- Relationship Builder: Confident advising at the executive level and managing diverse, sensitive stakeholder networks.
- Organisational Excellence: Adept at juggling multiple high-priority deliverables simultaneously under tight timelines.
Desirable (But Not Essential)
- Experience working within central government communications frameworks.
- A strong understanding of the UK national security landscape or classified environments.
- Knowledge of behavioural insights or audience segmentation.
Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to work on projects of genuine significance, collaborating with a passionate, central strategic team. If you thrive on variety, value confidentiality, and want your work to have a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply
If you are ready for your next career challenge in a unique and rewarding environment, please send apply with an up-to-date CV for a confidential chat!
#CommunicationsJobs #StrategicCommunications #InternalComms #PublicSectorJobs #DefenceJobs #CheltenhamJobs #ContractJobs #CommsSpecialist
…