Civic Office Manager
About The Role
Are you an experienced events professional who enjoys bringing complex plans together? Can you build trusted relationships, manage competing priorities and stay calm when the spotlight is on?
We’re looking for a Civic Office Manager to join our Leader’s Office and Member Support team on a permanent basis.
You’ll be at the heart of Islington’s civic and ceremonial programme, helping to deliver events and engagements that bring together the Mayor, residents, communities, partners and dignitaries. From coordinating the Mayor’s programme to overseeing major civic occasions, you’ll make sure events are thoughtfully planned, professionally delivered and reflect the borough and its communities.
It’s a varied role that combines event management, relationship building, civic protocol and leadership. You’ll work closely with the Mayor and other elected members, senior officers, community organisations and external partners, often balancing several priorities at once.
As part of the role, you’ll:
- lead the planning and delivery of civic, ceremonial and Mayoral events and functions
- oversee the Mayor’s diary and programme of engagements, making sure activities are well coordinated and appropriately supported
- work with colleagues and external partners to deliver high-profile events and civic occasions
- provide clear and trusted advice on civic protocol, governance and ceremonial practice
- build positive relationships with community groups, civic partners and other organisations
- support the Mayor’s charitable programme, including fundraising activities and partnerships
- oversee budgets and financial processes associated with civic activity
- lead and develop a small team, creating a supportive environment with clear priorities and high standards.
You’ll bring experience of planning and delivering complex or high-profile events and be comfortable working with senior stakeholders in an environment where discretion, judgement and attention to detail matter.
You don’t necessarily need to arrive as an expert in every aspect of civic protocol. You’ll need a good understanding of civic or ceremonial practice, or be able to demonstrate that you can quickly build the knowledge needed to provide confident and accurate advice.
Strong organisation will be essential. Plans can change, priorities can compete and some events will involve tight timescales. You’ll be able to keep track of the detail while also seeing the bigger picture, anticipating what needs to happen next and finding practical solutions when circumstances change.
You’ll also bring a thoughtful and diplomatic communication style. You’ll build effective relationships with elected members, colleagues, residents, community organisations and external partners while handling sensitive or confidential information with appropriate care.
As a manager, you’ll provide clear direction and support to your team. You’ll help colleagues develop, encourage them to take ownership of their work and make sure everyone understands how their contribution supports the wider civic programme.
You’ll join the Leader’s Office and Member Support team, within Law and Governance. It’s an opportunity to work closely with democratic and civic leadership while helping to deliver a programme that celebrates Islington’s communities and represents the borough professionally.
If you’re looking for a permanent role that brings together events, people, civic life and leadership, we’d love to hear from you.
For further information or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Harry Redmond, Head of Leader’s Office and Member Support, at [email protected].
Note to Recruitment Agencies:
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
Salary range
- £47,367 - £49,509 per year