Communications and Engagement Lead

This is a hybrid-working role, with 4 days a month expected to be in the office. Travel across Essex is also required to attend community or other events, up to twice a month but there will often be no events. Digital Essex is an initiative run by Essex County Council, aimed at ensuring no individual or business is excluded from digital opportunities due to lack of high-speed and affordable broadband connections, equipment, or skills. Our programme of work covers digital connectivity and inclusion, working with our partners to deliver projects to help Essex residents and businesses get online. We were featured in the United Nations Development Programme International Digital Inclusion Playbook 2.0, showcasing our efforts on a local level across Greater Essex and nationally. Some of our key projects include the a regional review of digital capabilities, digital skills training for residents, and support for businesses to adopt digital technologies. As part of the Digital Essex team, reporting to the Programme Communications Manager, the Communications and Engagement Lead will be responsible for producing and delivering communications and marketing activity relating to the ECC Digital Connectivity Programme. This role involves engaging with key internal and external stakeholders, partners, and the public through various channels, including strategic documents, presentations, social media, newsletters, the programme's website, and press releases. The role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and craft the communications and engagement narrative around the existing workstreams to maximise impact. You will be responsible for prioritising activities to ensure maximum reach and engagement across multiple stakeholder levels, including residents, businesses, public sector, politicians, national advocacy, and policy.,

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the Digital Essex programme, ensuring alignment with the Council's strategic objectives
• Prioritise and evaluate communication activities to ensure maximum impact and reach
• Create and manage content for social media, newsletters, websites, and other communication channels, ensuring alignment with our digital strategy and brand guidelines
• Work closely with the Programme Communications Officer to produce content that engages key stakeholders and the public
• Take the lead on setting and maintaining the programme's editorial standards and tone of voice
• Provide strategic support and planning, including creating OASIS plans and action plans for high-profile projects
• Offer guidance on resource use to maximise impact, including identifying key channels and opportunities to build the profile of Digital Essex and increase partner engagement
• Support key partner organisation in their digital workstream communications, focusing on infrastructure, broadband delivery, IoT, and smart cities
• Promote digital inclusion workstreams and communicate the value of our work to diverse stakeholders
• Communicate internal project impacts and successes to key stakeholders and across departments, Develop and deliver a communications strategy that aligns with the Council's strategic objectives.
• Ensure all communication activities are prioritised and evaluated for maximum impact and reach.
• Maintain the programme's editorial standards and tone of voice.
• Engage with key stakeholders, partners, and the public through various communication channels.
• Support the Programme Communications Manager in strategic planning and organising communication activities.
• Source and create content that showcases the efforts and impact of the Digital Essex team.
  
  Proven experience in a Marketing and Communications role, preferably within the public sector
• Strong strategic planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to produce high-quality content
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies
• Knowledge of digital inclusion and connectivity initiatives, with a passion for making a positive impact on the community
• Familiarity with creating and managing content for various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, and websites
• Ability to provide strategic guidance on resource use, website and social media strategy, and stakeholder engagement