Midlands Connect is looking for a detail-focused, media-savvy and politically aware Engagement Assistant to join its busy external affairs team. Whether you’re writing press releases for media, speaking to journalists, creating marketing materials, recording a podcast or reaching out to local MPs, your goal is simple – to get a better transport deal for the Midlands and promote our region on the national stage.

This role would be perfect for a creative and conscientious individual who is able to digest technical information and translate it into persuasive, inspiring and engaging content. You will work on a varied and exciting list of projects such as the Midlands Rail Hub, supporting efforts to decarbonise the transport network and push forward plans for the rollout of alternative fuels including electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered HGVs.

This is a role where there is real opportunity to develop and you will have the autonomy to succeed and experience new things. You will be part of an incredibly supportive team that will help you grow and evolve professionally. 

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the External Affairs team in delivering new online and offline communications collateral including reports, brochures, video, audio and social media content and website updates
• Developing and maintain quality media/public affairs relationships with journalists, business and civic contacts
• Managing, monitor and report media/parliamentary mentions and contacts to share with the Midlands Connect team
• Copywriting and editing a variety of communications materials including press releases, briefing notes, reports and thought leadership
• Supporting with webinars, events and political party conferences
• Managing, monitoring and creating engaging content for a variety of social media platforms including twitter and LinkedIn

Midlands Connect is the transport partner of the Midlands Engine, a coalition of councils, combined authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), universities, and businesses across the region, which actively works with Government to deliver a sustainable and comprehensive transport network for communities across the Midlands. The team researches, develops and recommends long-term transport projects which will provide the biggest possible economic, social and environmental benefits for the Midlands and the rest of the UK.

WMCA acts as the accountable body for the Midlands Connect partnership and is a core pillar of the Midlands Engine ‘Vision for Growth’. 

About you

You are a creative, bold, innovative, passionate, engaging and forward-thinking individual, with great attention to detail.

It is essential that you have impeccable writing and grammar skills and are able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

You will come from a busy environment where you are used to being extremely organised and working to tight deadlines. You will be an analytical individual with a creative approach to problem solving and have a strong work ethic.

Some knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite/InDesign/Photoshop would be desirable.

About us

WMCA is committed to a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region. This is our vision. We will achieve our vision through living our values which are central to how we work and interact with our wider partners and stakeholders.

We’re a partnership organisation. Our people feel valued and respected, have a can-do attitude and are innovators. We try new ways of doing things, we aren’t afraid to fail, learn from what went wrong and try again. Our people are empowered to be creative and explore and innovate.

We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have made a positive commitment to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the essential role criteria. We are committed to building a team of people with varied backgrounds and experiences as we recognise that this will only benefit us as an employer, the more inclusive we are the better our work will be.

As an organisation, we will continue to adapt and develop to the opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to transform ourselves and our organisation into the best we can be, underpinned by our values and behaviours and everyone contributes towards achieving our vision.

Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About your application

The online Application Form you'll be asked to complete plays a key part in our recruitment and selection process. We use the information you provide to decide whether to invite you for an interview. It is important that you complete the Application Form as fully and accurately as possible. You will be asked to upload a Supporting Statement (not a CV) and this should include specific examples which demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role for which you are applying. 

If you would like to discuss alternative methods to the online application as a reasonable adjustment please contact the Resourcing Team by email (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Location

156 Great Charles Street, Queensway, Birmingham, B3 3HN. Hybrid working conditions are currently in place which means working remotely and coming to the office when required.

Supporting documents
Role Profile - Engagement Assistant.pdf