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

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.This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on ( samantha.myddelton@essex.gov.uk 0333 013 0098) or Sadie Orwell ( sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk 0333 032 2356) .

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk

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: 14 ^th December 2025 at 23:59pm