DevComms, an innovative and forward-thinking stakeholder engagement consultancy to the built environment sector, is seeking a dynamic and ambitious Senior Account Executive or Account Manager to join its team in the Midlands, based in Birmingham.
DevComms helps developer clients navigate the complex and often challenging stakeholder and community landscape to help them achieve better planning outcomes. Our clients span all sectors of the development industry, including R&D, renewable energy, retail, leisure, residential, commercial and distribution and include high-profile clients, such as Moto, Miller Homes, Indurent, Taylor Wimpey, Caddick Developments, Barratt David Wilson, Persimmon, TotalEnergies and SEGRO, amongst many others.
DevComms Midlands is rapidly expanding, offering excellent personal development prospects for team members at every level. With projects spanning across the Midlands, the consultancy leads the way in using industry-leading technology and supporter generation strategies to deliver outstanding results for its clients.
We offer a supportive environment, collaborative culture, ongoing training and mentoring opportunities, and excellent prospects for career progression.
About the role
We are looking for a creative, team playing, imaginative self-starter with experience of working in communications within the built environment sector, who has an interest in politics and working with communities. The successful candidate can work remotely and flexibly but would need to work from our Birmingham office a minimum of two days per week.
The main responsibilities of the role include:
- Devising coordinated public affairs strategies;
- Day to day management of projects and client accounts;
- Political and community research and insight;
- Advising clients on strategy;
- Preparing and agreeing publicity material including letters to stakeholders, exhibition material, media releases and formal reports;
- Leading on liaison with political and community stakeholders;
- Overseeing analysis and reporting of consultation feedback;
- Monitoring local media, community, and political activity;
- Confident handling of dialogue with the client, development team and stakeholders;
- Incorporating and utilising social media and digital tools into engagement strategies;
- Management of junior team members.
Essential skills and qualities for the role include:
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
- Proven track record;
- Interest or experience of working in stakeholder engagement;
- Experience of coordinating and delivering effective communications strategies (including the use of social media) to support development proposals;
- An interest in and understanding of local and national politics;
- A good understanding of the planning process;
- The ability to build and foster relationships with key influencers;
- A confident communicator;
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- An eye for detail;
- A full, valid driving licence and access to a car.
Salary & Benefits:
- 25 days’ holiday;
- Additional holiday at Christmas and New Year;
- Birthday off;
- Flexible and home working;
- Comprehensive training (tailored plans based on personal and professional objectives);
- Funded membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR);
- Regular company CPD sessions to share knowledge and expertise;
- Collaborative working environment with quarterly company team days;
- Employee Assistance Programme.