Are you a communication and engagement professional? Can you shape innovative partnerships, align stakeholder agendas, and deliver positive outcomes through building strong relationships? The External Affairs team is transforming the way Environment and Business (E&B) engages across the Directorate, into the wider organisation, and with external stakeholders, government, partners, and the media. We’re recruiting a strategic engagement specialist who will shape and lead our Bathing Water engagement work in the Water Quality & Investment portfolio. As a strategic engagement specialist for E&B External Affairs you will: • support your Deputy Director and wider E&B leadership team; • manage relationships with internal engagement teams including those across the Defra group and other government departments to ensure greater visibility of our work to improve bathing water quality and achieve a one-organisation approach; • lead and advise others on strategic engagement plans linked to major outcomes and strategies; • work with Defra communications to align priorities; • ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach with internal and external stakeholders; • be part of a team that leads and directs all communications and engagement for E&B across the Environment Agency (EA) working with internal clients to identify and examine organisational priorities. The team will support effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including mapping those connections to appropriate internal leaders. We’re committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, so we’ll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances. You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided. The team Our team builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders and organisations; strengthening our voice and influence so that our work is better known, trusted, and has greater impact. We hold relationships with Defra, government, and our Executive Directors. Our directorate supports the EA’s vision by using evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources. We steer the direction, set priorities, and shape our organisation's approach to deliver environmental outcomes. Experience/skills required You’ll be an experienced communications and engagement specialist – with great judgement and collaboration skills. In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your: • experience in developing and influencing strategic outcomes with a range of stakeholders • experience leading, managing, and delivering strategic engagement strategies • experience of effectively communicating complex information • ability to influence and persuade people at all levels • ability to work under own initiative and as part of a larger, often cross-functional, or multidisciplinary team • ability to plan and organise with attention to detail • ability to achieve results through others • discretion and an ability to work on sensitive issues and confidential matters • written and verbal communication skills • interpersonal and networking skills • ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.