OR122016 – Events and Engagement Officer (PO3) – Marketing & Communications

Main purpose of the job

The role is responsible for planning and delivering high-profile council events, civic ceremonies and community engagement activities across the borough.

You will organise events such as Meet the Mayor sessions, public meetings, community conversations, workshops, festivals and civic celebrations, giving residents opportunities to engage with the Council, share their views and get involved in local decisions.

You will also work closely with the Mayor’s Office, councillors, senior officers, community groups and external partners to ensure events are inclusive, accessible, well organised and delivered successfully.

Typical day overview

• Planning upcoming council events, community meetings and civic ceremonies.

• Coordinating venues, suppliers, catering, equipment, invitations and event logistics.

• Liaising with councillors, the Mayor’s Office, community organisations and external partners.

• Organising public engagement sessions, workshops, roadshows and question-and-answer events.

• Making sure events are accessible and encourage participation from different communities.

• Preparing event schedules, risk assessments, briefings and contingency plans.

• Managing event budgets and monitoring supplier costs.

• Collecting resident feedback and preparing reports on event outcomes.

• Supporting communications and promoting upcoming events.

• Attending occasional evening and weekend events.

Key skills and responsibilities

1. Event Planning and Management – Plan and deliver large-scale public, civic, community and stakeholder events from start to finish.

2. Community Engagement – Encourage residents from different backgrounds to participate in council activities, consultations and public discussions.

3. Stakeholder Management – Build relationships with councillors, senior officers, the Mayor’s Office, community groups, suppliers and external organisations.

4. Project Coordination – Manage event schedules, venues, logistics, staffing, resources and competing deadlines.

5. Budget and Supplier Management – Monitor event budgets, arrange procurement and coordinate external suppliers and contractors.

6. Risk Management and Compliance – Prepare risk assessments and ensure events meet health and safety, safeguarding, accessibility and legal requirements.

7. Communication and Reporting – Prepare event briefings, invitations, reports, public information and feedback summaries.

8. Civic and Ceremonial Support – Coordinate official council events, commemorations and cultural occasions, ensuring correct civic protocol is followed.

Essential requirements

• Significant experience planning and delivering public, community, civic or stakeholder events.

• Experience organising community engagement activities involving diverse audiences.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

• Experience preparing event plans, risk assessments, schedules and contingency arrangements.

• Knowledge of event logistics, health and safety, accessibility and risk management.

• Experience managing budgets and coordinating suppliers or external services.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.

• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to work professionally within a local government or politically sensitive environment.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.