The UK’s specialist aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is looking to bolster its communications team with a new Airspace Stakeholder Engagement Manager. This is a great opportunity for a candidate with a genuine interest in aviation who can help drive forward the organisation’s communications function.
The CAA plays a central role in the major issues facing the aviation industry, and the team is looking for energetic candidates with the right skillset to help steer the organisation through a period of change. It’s a fast-paced environment and you will be expected to handle high-profile issues.
The aviation field is an exciting and rapidly expanding one, and the CAA is proud to be at its forefront.
The Opportunity
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is introducing a new regulatory process to manage its airspace change decision-making – that is, the way in which the organisation decides whether proposed changes to the design of UK airspace should be implemented. Whilst the CAA has communicated regularly with many industry and third sector stakeholders for many decades, our airspace role and new regulatory approach will require more specific communications with communities affected by aviation noise when airspace is being redesigned. You will be at the forefront of delivering that communication and engaging with key stakeholders in communities, local areas and politicians. You will also have the opportunity to work with the communications team on other major issues where possible.
Main Responsibilities
- Promote the CAA, using a range of communications tools to help a diverse range of stakeholders learn about the CAA’s new regulatory approach and how it will affect them;
- Maintain and build on the stakeholder engagement programme to date, engendering trust in the people, communities and organisations who will participate in the airspace change process as well as the CAA’s broader stakeholder landscape;
- Primary point of contact for meeting stakeholders such as MPs, community groups etc.;
- Translate a complex and specialist subject into plain English;
- Organising and attending CAA-led events;
- Educating and promoting people on the CAA's new regulatory approach.
Key Skills and Experience Required
- An expert in stakeholder engagement, not necessarily in aviation;
- A background in stakeholder engagement with regards to sensitive topics that require a public conversation and consultation e.g. planning applications or major infrastructure projects could be an advantage;
- Expert communicator who knows who to speak with and engage audiences who are concerned about and/or affected by proposals;
- Gravitas, ability to inspire confidence amongst a diverse and sometimes sceptical group of stakeholders, including at a senior level;
- An understanding of political scene at both national and local levels.