Summary
This key role will play a critical part in bringing technical, long‑term water supply‑demand strategies to life for the public and our stakeholders. Working closely with the Water Resources team, you will be responsible for the statutory consultation surrounding the Water Resources Management Plan and the Drought Plan. You will shape complex technical information into accessible, transparent, and engaging content for stakeholders, customers and the media.
Responsibilities
* Create and implement an integrated communications strategy supporting the delivery of the Drought Plan and Water Resources Management Plan objectives and their integration into the Business Plan.
* Translate technical information into engaging content for internal and external audiences.
* Produce non‑technical summaries required for consultations.
* Plan and deliver statutory public consultations and other stakeholder engagement activities.
* Develop and manage a programme of events, workshops, community briefings, presentations, meetings and other communications activities.
* Create high‑quality communications collateral, including briefings, press releases, presentations, exhibition materials and social media content.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to agree priorities, key messages and the annual programme of events.
* Represent South East Water and partner with Water Resources South East to support regional planning and engagement.
* Manage suppliers and external parties such as graphic designers, photographers, videographers and communications agencies.
* Brief media spokespeople ahead of radio and TV interviews and respond to media calls during office hours, escalating when necessary.
* Identify, write and manage press releases and news stories for South East Water.
* Update the South East Water website and social media content, particularly when promoting news stories or during emergency incidents.
* Participate in the communications out‑of‑hours service, responding to media enquiries and assisting crisis communication management.
* Provide flexible support and perform additional tasks within your capability as required.
Qualifications & Experience
* Degree‑level qualification in Communications, PR or a related discipline, and at least three years’ relevant experience.
* Background in an environmental science discipline is advantageous.
* Full driving licence.
* Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities and meet deadlines.
* Attention to detail and competency in drafting accurate communications materials, including press releases, briefing notes, statements, presentations, exhibition materials, articles, website copy, FAQs and social media content.
* Proficiency with digital tools such as social media, email marketing/newsletter, website content management systems and public relations management software.
* Experience in crisis communications, event management, stakeholder engagement and media relations.
* Experience delivering statutory consultations and stakeholder engagement in an environmental context is advantageous.
* Knowledge of water resources and the water, environmental and/or agricultural industry is advantageous.
Salary & Benefits
* Salary range: up to £36,000 per annum (dependent on experience).
* Excellent stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
* 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with longer service.
* Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.Paid volunteering days.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Health cash plan.
* Life assurance.
* Well‑being related benefits.
Equal Opportunity
South East Water is committed to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all. We welcome applications from people of all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, religions and identities.
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