Greenwich Council is seeking a new Director of Communications and Community Engagement to lead its communication strategies and community engagement efforts, with the aim of delivering more modern and effective engagement with the local community.
The Appointments Panel met on Monday, July 21, 2025, to determine a longlist of applicants for the position. The job description states that the Director will be responsible for defining and delivering the overall communications strategy for the council, aligned with its objectives. The role also involves leading the community engagement function to deliver modern, effective and meaningful forms of community engagement,
managing media relations, and advising the Chief Executive, the Leader, Cabinet, and the Council on all aspects of communications and community engagement.
The panel, chaired by Councillor Anthony Okereke (Leader of the Council), included Councillors Denise Hyland (Cabinet Member Finance, Resources and Social Value), Averil Lekau (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport), Mariam Lolavar (Cabinet Member Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary), and Maisie Richards Cottell. The agenda included apologies for absence, urgent business, declarations of interest, and the determination of the longlist of applicants. The majority of the meeting was held in closed session.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and deliver communication and community engagement strategies, ensure effective communication both internally and externally, and lead the community engagement function to deliver modern and meaningful engagement. They will also be responsible for managing the council's reputation and profile with stakeholders and working with directorates to deliver communication and marketing programmes.
According to the job description, the ideal candidate should have significant experience in leading communications and public relations, corporate experience in setting communication and engagement strategies, and an understanding of issues affecting local government. High-level influencing and interpersonal skills, the ability to mentor senior staff, and the capacity to contribute to the corporate leadership of the council are also essential.