Engagement and Communication Manager (Digital Planning Directory)

We are looking for a proactive, experienced, and well-organised Engagement and Communication Manager to support our work on the Digital Planning Directory. This role will report directly to the CEO of the Digital Task Force for Planning and focus on event organisation, communications, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management. You will play an important role in organising Directory events to engage key stakeholders and effectively communicate with the wider sector.

If you are passionate about modernising spatial planning for the public good and want to use your talents to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Job Description:

Key responsibilities of the role

1) Event Organisation

• Collaborate with the team and key partners to plan and manage both virtual and in-person events, workshops, roundtable meetings, and networking sessions.
• Handle event logistics, including organising venues, online settings, coordinating with confirmed speakers, managing registrations, and following up.

2) Communication & Engagement

• Develop communication and engagement strategies with the team and key partners to maximise participation and impact.
• Develop and manage digital content within the team, such as newsletters, event announcements, surveys, and social media posts.
• Coordinate engagement with key stakeholders, including the press, to maintain strong relationships.
• Manage the Directory's CRM to track engagement and communications.

3) Product Development Support

• Gather user feedback to support the Directory s product development and new functionalities.
• Support user-experience research in developing new features.

This job description outlines the key duties and responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive and may be updated as the needs of the Task Force evolve.

Salary: £40,000-£42,000 (FTE) pro-rata 0.6 per year plus 7% employer pension contributions.

Location: London Office Hybrid Working London office (1 day) / Home working (2 days), with occasional business travel within the UK . This post may require some evening and weekend work which can be taken as TOIL.

Reporting to: CEO (Dr Wei Yang OBE)

How to Apply:

Please send your CV (no more than two pages) and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the person specification (experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities), along with your salary expectations for this role, by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. Use the subject line: "Job Application: Engagement and Communication Manager".

The supporting statement can be completed in ONE of the following ways

• Written A4 (No more than 2 sides, 11 point font)
• PowerPoint (No more than 5 slides)
• Video recording (No more than 5 mins)

One or two examples of design work or written articles/blogs can be attached as an appendix.

Interviews: Tuesday 1 April 2025 in person in central London

Start Date: April/May 2025

About You:

• Proven track record with at least 5 years relevant experience in event management, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience working with CRM systems and content management.
• Able to represent the Digital Task Force for Planning professionally at external meetings, as well as networking and collaborating effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience of being able to develop and sustain projects on your own with limited supervision.
• Capable of working under pressure and managing competing deadlines.
• Proficient in IT, including Microsoft Office and social media for business purposes.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Based in the London or within commuting distance of London (desirable).
• Professional qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and/or the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) (desirable).
• Experience in digital product development (desirable).
• Experience in managing media outreach and press engagements (desirable).
• Passion for urban planning, digital transformation, or public engagement (desirable).
• Graphic design skills (desirable).
• Photography and video editing skills (desirable).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic not-for-profit organisation at the forefront of shaping the future of digital planning.
• Play an active role in driving the digital planning transformation for the public good.
• Collaborate with public bodies and leading organisations in digital planning.
• Thrive in a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Access opportunities for professional growth and development.

Background:

The Digital Task Force for Planning is an innovation-led not-for-profit organisation aiming to unlock the full potential of spatial planning in the digital era.

On 21 May 2024, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the MHCLG and the Task Force to pave the way for a new era of planning. The Digital Planning Directory is the first programme that has been delivered through the partnership and was launched at a high-level event on 22 January 2025 in London, marking a milestone moment for the UK s planning sector. The Directory serves as a comprehensive, user-friendly online resource, featuring some of the most innovative digital planning service providers across ten categories.

In 2025, the Directory will host both in-person and online events to showcase best practices in digital planning and facilitate the faster adoption of digital innovation in the sector. It will also develop a Procurement Resource Hub, a Digital Planning Education & Training Listing, and enhanced functionalities. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the Directory aims to support the government's planning reform agenda and contribute to the development of more sustainable and inclusive communities.