Senior Associate – Strategic Communications
I’m currently working with a leading consultancy that is looking to appoint a talented and motivated Senior Associate – Strategic Communications to join its growing team.
This is an excellent opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of residential, renewable energy, commercial and mixed-use development projects, helping clients navigate complex planning and engagement challenges through effective communications and stakeholder engagement.
The Role
As a Senior Associate, you will play a leading role in delivering stakeholder engagement, public consultation and strategic communications programmes across a diverse portfolio of projects.
You will work closely with clients, colleagues and multidisciplinary consultant teams to develop engagement strategies, manage communications programmes from inception through to planning submission, and deliver high-quality consultation activities.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking political analysis, stakeholder mapping and research to inform engagement strategies.
- Preparing communications materials including stakeholder correspondence, public exhibition boards, consultation leaflets, newsletters, website content and digital communications.
- Liaising with graphic designers, planning consultants and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Analysing consultation feedback and preparing reports, including Statements of Community Involvement and consultation summaries.
- Organising and coordinating public consultation events and stakeholder meetings.
- Attending public exhibitions, stakeholder meetings and community engagement events across the UK.
- Supporting the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement and communications strategies across a wide range of planning and development projects.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- A university degree with a minimum 2:1 honours classification (or equivalent).
- At least three years’ experience in consultancy or in-house communications, public affairs, planning or stakeholder engagement.
- Experience within the built environment, infrastructure or renewable energy sectors would be advantageous.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A proactive and enthusiastic approach, with the confidence to work independently and as part of a team.
- A genuine interest in planning, development and community engagement.
- Strong client relationship and business development skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience with Adobe InDesign would be advantageous.
- Willingness to travel across the UK where required.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
- Annual bonus scheme
- Pension contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Professional membership subscriptions
- Ongoing training and career development
- 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 with length of service, plus Bank Holidays
If you’re an experienced communications, engagement or planning professional looking for a step up into a Senior Associate role, I’d be keen to have a confidential conversation with you about the opportunity.