Communications, Communities and Partnerships

Role We are recruiting to a new role to lead the Communities, Communications and Partnerships work of Urban&Civic in Hertfordshire. The role will lead our community engagement work on the Growing Baldock project: which will see just under 3,000 homes and 600,000 sq ft of commercial space as part of a sustainable northern extension of Baldock. The successful candidate will be embedded within the design and delivery team to bring this to life through the future designs, delivery and community approach as the development rolls out. The role will also lead the development of the brand and marketing strategy which will support both Urban&Civic and the housebuilders evolve as the project moves through the planning system. The role will work closely with the established Cambridgeshire team of Communications and Partnerships Managers and Community development. Urban&Civic have a number of schemes underway in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire and this role will also support the project teams taking the early planning discussions on Bowmans Cross (in Hertsmere), with the future potential to get more involved as that project moves forward. It may also support some additional work within the Cambridgeshire team at key times. Responsibilities Develop and maintain strong relationships with local communities, key groups, organisations and stakeholders within the locality of the proposed development to enable positive dialogue and engagement; enable local partners to shape the plans coming forward; and to seek to resolve issues at each stage of planning and delivery. Deliver local engagement and communication strategies which enable inclusive and effective engagement with key audiences, and the sharing of key information. Ensuring these are to an agreed budget and evaluated to agreed outcomes. Work with the Development and Project Managers to support the delivery of consultation and planning events at each stage of the development, ensuring they are clear, inclusive, effective and reflect the brand values of Urban&Civic and the principles of the development. Work with the Development and Project Managers, alongside the Regional Director of CCP to support the delivery of community infrastructure such as schools, health provision or sports facilities to ensure local partners and community are involved in the planning and long term operation of these. This may involve direct involvement in Governor roles and on local Boards and project teams. Identify newsworthy stories and develop content to support a range of channels including newsletters, PR, video and audio, and social media, as well as corporate U&C channels and tools. Co-ordinate the use of in house and agency support where needed to deliver against the CCP plan for the site including PR and media relations, design and social media. Build strong links with partner communications teams and with local media outlets. Innovate and develop new ways of working and ideas for communications, communities and partnerships, and work in partnership with the Group CCP and communities colleagues across our strategic sites on shared learning and good practice approaches. Support the new community coming into each phase of development and build cohesion with existing neighbours and communities: ensuring facilities, information and support is in place, and coordinating and supporting the work of teams and partners to respond to issues which emerge operationally. Role Purpose The role delivers Urban&Civic’s inclusive approach to development and evolves over the lifetime of each project: ensuring local communities and partners help to shape development plans for each site; delivering strong regular communications through the project; and fostering relationships with partners and communities. Being a key part of the team representing the project to local partners and communities, the role will lead the communications and engagement of local communities through the planning stages; proactively develop projects on themes including health, active travel and transport, ecology and climate change and jobs and skills which support early engagement with key partners and stakeholders; and supporting colleagues and the wider design team to communicate progress through the different stages of planning. It will ensure a proactive response to issues relating to new and neighbouring communities, and support delivery of key community infrastructure and commitments through the roll-out of the development. As a Communications professional, the post holder will create varied and engaging content for a variety of project communications platforms, and work alongside colleagues to develop and communicate our story, manage our reputation as a local stakeholder and promote the place brand and story around the development. This will in turn support the planning process, provoke interest and support for the project and build a strong foundation for future place marketing, engagement of housebuilder partners, and ultimately to support promotion and sales as the development rolls out. The role is part of a regional and company-wide network of roles and will work closely with the team supporting U&C’s existing developments across the local area. It will also work alongside colleagues across the wider U&C portfolio to share best practice and inform innovation and strategy development. It will be supported by marketing expertise on branding, content and asset development, and place marketing, as the development moves into delivery, closely supported by the Regional Director of CCP and the Project Director of the scheme. Responsibilities Develop and maintain strong relationships with local communities, key groups, organisations and stakeholders within the locality of the proposed development to enable positive dialogue and engagement; enable local partners to shape the plans coming forward; and to seek to resolve issues at each stage of planning and delivery. Deliver local engagement and communication strategies which enable inclusive and effective engagement with key audiences, and the sharing of key information. Ensuring these are to an agreed budget and evaluated to agreed outcomes. Work with the Development and Project Managers to support the delivery of consultation and planning events at each stage of the development, ensuring they are clear, inclusive, effective and reflect the brand values of Urban&Civic and the principles of the development. Work with the Development and Project Managers, alongside the Regional Director of CCP to support the delivery of community infrastructure such as schools, health provision or sports facilities to ensure local partners and community are involved in the planning and long term operation of these. This may involve direct involvement in Governor roles and on local Boards and project teams. Identify newsworthy stories and develop content to support a range of channels including newsletters, PR, video and audio, and social media, as well as corporate U&C channels and tools. Co-ordinate the use of in house and agency support where needed to deliver against the CCP plan for the site including PR and media relations, design and social media. Build strong links with partner communications teams and with local media outlets. Innovate and develop new ways of working and ideas for communications, communities and partnerships, and work in partnership with the Group CCP and communities colleagues across our strategic sites on shared learning and good practice approaches. Support the new community coming into each phase of development and build cohesion with existing neighbours and communities: ensuring facilities, information and support is in place, and coordinating and supporting the work of teams and partners to respond to issues which emerge operationally. Requirements Knowledge & Experience Experience working with local community and local government partners An understanding of development, planning and public service delivery Experience in Marketing, PR and Stakeholder engagement, ideally within the public sector or development industry Copywriting and presentation experience Budget and project management Skills and Abilities Ability to grasp business strategy, decision-making and reflect the ethos of the business Excellent interpersonal skills including relationship building, collaboration and diplomacy, and conflict resolution Flexible and adaptable approach to work – recognising the need to work outside of core office hours for evening meetings and events Ability to meet conflicting priorities whilst working under pressure Self-starter with initiative and drive Ability to adapt communication styles to multiple audiences; translating technical and complex information to ensure key concepts and messages are delivered effectively Ability to work across a range of projects and timescales with care, pace and accuracy. Location A project office will be established as the development rolls out, with this role working between the local area and the main London office (New Bond Street) in first instance. Main location will be agreed as part of the recruitment process. Other team members also use the Waterbeach office near to Cambridge and there may be travel to this and other offices at times for meetings, networking and training.

Location: London, GB

Posted Date: 1/12/2025