Help Us Shape the Future of the Commonwealth Games – Glasgow 2026! 

The journey to Glasgow 2026 starts now – and we want YOU to be part of it! Get ready for a brilliant new era for the Commonwealth Games, blending world-class sport with a sustainable, future-focused vision.  

In just under 300 days, Glasgow will transform into a global hub for sport and culture, welcoming 3,000 athletes from 74 nations, across 11 days of unforgettable action, fuelled by the city’s unstoppable energy and passion.  

Glasgow 2026 is set to revolutionise the Games, with a bold experience that reflects the city’s resilience and innovation. This is more than just an event; it’s a movement – a celebration of unity, equality, and sporting excellence. A movement that will not only deliver a world-class sporting experience but will also create a lasting legacy, maximising social and economic benefits for the city and the Commonwealth. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something historic!  

If you have a passion for sport and a drive for excellence and want to be part of creating something truly special, then Glasgow 2026 wants you.  

The Role  

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Public Engagement team as Lead Community Engagement Manager. 

As Lead Community Engagement Manager, you’ll play a central role in connecting people and communities of Glasgow, and beyond, with the Games. You’ll lead the development and delivery of a wide-ranging community engagement programme, ensuring that individuals, neighbourhoods, and organisations feel informed, inspired, and empowered to participate. 

Working closely with local communities, community organisations, sport organisations, public sector bodies and civic leaders, you’ll build positive relationships and deliver meaningful engagement that reflects the diversity and spirit of Glasgow. You’ll oversee large-scale participatory projects, community celebrations, and local activations, ensuring that communities have the opportunity to be part of the Games. 

This is a key role that combines strategy, collaboration, and hands-on delivery. You’ll bring communities together, celebrate local pride, and help shape an inclusive Games that leaves a lasting impact long after the final medal is awarded. 

Job Summary:  

As Lead Community Engagement Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive community engagement plan that supports readiness for the Games and inspires participation across Glasgow’s diverse communities. 

You’ll lead a programme of activity ranging from consultation events and grassroots projects to large-scale celebrations. Working with internal teams and external partners, you’ll design systems and processes to support effective delivery, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that engagement activity is inclusive, impactful, and aligned with broader Games objectives. 

You’ll serve as the key point of contact for community stakeholders, including civic leaders, public sector partners, and voluntary organisations, managing relationships and ensuring open, transparent communication. Through proactive consultation and collaboration, you’ll gather insights, address emerging issues, and help shape a Games experience that truly reflects the voices and values of local communities. 

In this role, you’ll also lead a small team of community engagement staff and coordinate freelancers and volunteers delivering engagement activity. You’ll oversee safeguarding for public engagement, support fundraising through input to funding bids, and ensure that all engagement initiatives uphold the Games’ commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

This is a highly visible and rewarding position, one that calls for creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking to ensure that communities support, engage with, and benefit from the Games. 

Key Skills and Experience:   

You’ll bring significant experience in leading community engagement programmes within sport, culture, the public sector, or major events. Skilled in developing systems and processes for delivery, monitoring, and evaluation, you’ll ensure engagement activity is impactful and well-coordinated. 

Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills are essential, alongside a proven ability to build trusted relationships across diverse organisations and communities. You’ll be confident engaging a diverse range of communities and stakeholders, and experienced in consultation and co-production approaches that give communities a genuine voice in shaping outcomes. 

Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills will enable you to adapt to different audiences, while your analytical and organisational abilities will help you manage competing priorities and deliver clear, evidence-based reporting. 

As a collaborative leader, you’ll motivate teams, volunteers, and partners in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and composure under pressure. Above all, you’ll be committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion – ensuring communities can participate in the Games experience. 

Experience within major multi-stakeholder or international events, and a strong knowledge of Glasgow’s community and sporting landscape, would be an advantage. 

Why Glasgow 2026?  

Joining the Glasgow 2026 team means being part of something extraordinary. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re not just planning an event – we’re creating a new legacy for Glasgow and the Commonwealth. This is an opportunity to shape the future of major sporting events, bringing the world together for 11 days of unforgettable competition and culture.  

We’re looking for well-organised, passionate, and driven people who are excited to roll up their sleeves and be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking, and sustainable Games. This is your chance to help set the new standard for global events while contributing to the city’s rich sporting legacy.  

Salary: Starting salary is from £45,000. Salary offered will be based on demonstrated skills and experience related to this role.    

How to Apply  

If you’re ready to be part of something historic, we want to hear from you! For more information about the role and a detailed job description, click here.

To apply, send your CV along with a 250-word summary (or video/voice note) of why you want to be part of our team to recruitment@glasgow2026.com.  

At Glasgow 2026, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you need assistance with your application, our Recruitment Team is here to support you with any reasonable adjustments.  

Please note that candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK, which we request is confirmed as part of the application process. This is a mandatory requirement for consideration of the role. 

The closing date is 3rd November 2025.