Communications & Engagement Specialist

We are currently seeking experienced Communications & Engagement Specialists to support a high-profile programme operating within a complex, highly regulated, and sensitive environment. This role will sit within a central strategic communications function, providing specialist expertise in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of communications and stakeholder engagement activity aligned to wider organisational and programme objectives.
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing communication strategies, shaping internal and external messaging, supporting senior leadership teams, and delivering effective engagement activity designed to build trust, improve stakeholder understanding, and support critical programme delivery within a secure and high-profile operating environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for communications professionals with experience working within complex organisations where confidentiality, professionalism, and strategic stakeholder management are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, plan, and deliver high-quality communication strategies aligned to wider organisational and programme objectives.

Produce clear, consistent, and impactful communications across multiple channels including digital platforms, internal communications, stakeholder updates, and leadership briefings.

Work closely with senior leaders and programme teams to advise on communication strategy, audience engagement, messaging frameworks, and communication planning.

Lead engagement activity with both internal and external stakeholders, building trusted relationships and ensuring communications are tailored appropriately to different audiences.

Support the development and delivery of strategic communications activity within a complex and highly regulated operating environment.

Produce high-quality written communication materials including:

Communication Plans

Stakeholder Engagement Strategies

Key Messaging Frameworks

Briefing Packs

Q&A Documents

Talking Points for Senior Leadership

Translate complex, technical, or sensitive information into clear and accessible messaging suitable for a wide range of audiences.

Monitor communication effectiveness, gather stakeholder feedback, analyse engagement performance, and recommend continuous improvements.

Ensure all communications activities comply fully with governance procedures, confidentiality requirements, security protocols, and organisational policies.

Support wider teams in fostering a strong communication culture and effective information sharing across business functions.

Contribute to the successful delivery of broader programme objectives through strategic communication support and stakeholder management expertise.

Essential Skills & Experience

Candidates should demonstrate strong experience in the following areas:

Proven experience working in senior communications, engagement, or strategic communications roles

Previous experience working within government, defence, national security, public sector, or other highly regulated environments

Exceptional copywriting, editorial, and written communication skills across multiple communication formats

Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with senior leadership teams and sensitive stakeholder groups

Proven experience developing and delivering communications strategies and engagement plans

Ability to work with high levels of discretion, professionalism, and integrity within confidential or secure environments

Experience advising senior stakeholders and influencing communication approaches at leadership level

Ability to simplify complex or technical information into clear, accessible messaging for varied audiences

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities effectively

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across multiple stakeholder groups

Desirable Skills & Experience

The following experience would be highly advantageous:

Previous experience working within central government communications frameworks

Knowledge of the UK national security landscape, government programmes, or classified environments

Understanding of behavioural insights, audience segmentation, and communication targeting strategies

Experience developing strategic narratives to support organisational objectives and stakeholder engagement

Experience operating within politically sensitive or highly scrutinised environments

Background supporting large-scale transformation, infrastructure, or national programmes

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a highly professional communications specialist who can operate confidently within complex and sensitive environments while delivering strategic communication activity that drives engagement, supports organisational objectives, and builds trust with key stakeholders.
You will be an exceptional communicator, capable of influencing senior stakeholders, managing complex messaging requirements, and translating technical information into meaningful and effective communication strategies. You will thrive in fast-paced environments where professionalism, discretion, and strategic thinking are essential.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will bring extensive communications and stakeholder engagement experience gained within highly regulated, government, defence, security, or similarly complex environments. You will be confident advising senior leaders, managing sensitive communications activity, and developing strategic communication plans that support major programme delivery while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and stakeholder trust.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced communications professional seeking to work on a high-profile programme within a strategically important and complex operating environment