Communications and Engagement Lead

This is a fixed-term position for 12 months

Working Pattern: Agile Flex attached to our Birmingham office

Interview Date: To be confirmed

The Salvation Army is seeking an experienced Communications and Engagement Lead to develop and deliver the communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for the SVMS mobilisation. You will lead internal programme communications, build effective relationships with external partners and help establish The Salvation Army's profile and messaging as the new prime contractor ahead of service commencement.

What you'll be doing

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive Communications and Engagement Plan for the full mobilisation period.
• Lead internal programme communications so the mobilisation team remains informed, aligned and motivated.
• Manage communications with key stakeholders, including the Home Office, NRM referral organisations, statutory partners, accommodation providers and civil society organisations.
• Lead communications for the transition from the incumbent supplier and support a smooth, positive handover.
• Develop and deliver the Change Management Plan, supporting staff, partners and stakeholders through the service transition.
• Prepare high-quality communications and briefings to support Authority engagement.
• Manage The Salvation Army's public positioning as the new SVMS prime contractor, working closely with the wider communications function.
• Maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement records, and coordinate consistent messaging with supply chain partners.
• Support the development of training and awareness materials for new staff.
• Monitor and respond to relevant media or public enquiries in liaison with the communications team.

What we're looking for

• Significant experience in communications, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, ideally within the public sector, third sector or a government contract environment.
• A strong track record of developing and delivering communications strategies for complex organisational change or service mobilisation.
• Excellent written communication skills, with experience producing materials such as briefings, stakeholder letters, announcements, FAQs and intranet content.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience of change communications and supporting colleagues through organisational transition.
• Understanding of the modern slavery policy landscape and National Referral Mechanism operations.
• The ability to manage reputational risk and respond quickly and calmly when issues arise.
• Experience of working effectively in a fast-paced programme environment.
• It would be an advantage if you also have
• Communications experience relating to victim support, criminal justice or immigration services.
• Familiarity with CIPR or equivalent professional communications standards.
• Experience of working with government clients and communications sign-off processes.

Our values

We are looking for someone whose approach reflects our values of integrity, accountability, compassion, passion, respect and boldness.

The Salvation Army actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. 

Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.