Policy and Strategy Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with exceptional communications skills and significant policymaking experience?

We are looking for an outstanding Policy and Strategy Manager to lead the strategy, analysis and communications work of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA).

This is a key role at the heart of local government policy and finance, at a time of real public service reform. You will work directly with the Chair of SIGOMA and our fifty local authority members to ensure the priorities of SIGOMA are realised, engaging with senior figures across national and local government including Ministers and government departments.

Join an organisation where you will be able to make a real difference to the future of local government, including the realisation of a fairer funding system for deprived communities and increasing economic growth of left behind areas.You will also be a key member of a high-performing, inclusive team that works with honesty, integrity and respect.

Your Role:

· Lead the SIGOMA work programme, in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.

· Develop and implement SIGOMA’s overall policy and strategy framework, to deliver the priorities and vision of its members.

· Provide high-level policy advice and detailed technical analysis of local government funding to the Chair of SIGOMA and senior stakeholders, including the Chair of the SIGOMA Chief Executive Group, elected members, MPs and national organisations.

· Manage relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, local authorities, officer groups and technical working groups.

· Manage SIGOMA’s communications strategy including press, lobbying activity and social media.

· Represent SIGOMA at national meetings, influencing policy discussions, and presenting expert papers.

· Lead a small team, including line management of a Research and Communications Officer.

What we offer:

· The chance to work directly for SIGOMA’s influential Chair, Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, renowned for their excellence and leadership within local government.

· A unique opportunity to work at the forefront of local government policy, influence national debate and support our councils across the SIGOMA network.

· Varied and interesting work that will challenge you and enable you to make a positive impact every day.

· A supportive and collaborative work culture based in the Office of the Chief Executive at Barnsley Council, an award winning Council where your contributions will be valued and will shape national policymaking.

· Opportunities for professional development and advancement, with access to training programs and mentorship initiatives, and the ability to build your profile across our fifty member councils and with our key stakeholders.

· Competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and generous holiday allowances.

Requirements

· You are a proactive, responsive and flexible individual, with a passion for driving positive change across local government.

· You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

· You have extensive experience providing policy advice to senior officers and elected politicians, with a strong understanding of issues across local and national government.

· You have strong analytical skills and technical expertise, with experience of researching local government finance and socio-economic measures.

· You have experience managing communications, including press engagement and social media.

· You have exceptional organisational abilities and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.

· You have experience of managing staff, projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· You have a Level 7 qualification in a relevant subject or a Level 5 qualification with extensive equivalent experience.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of an organisation, influence decision-making and drive strategic initiatives at national level. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team committed to excellence and innovation in public service.

If you're ready to make a real difference for our SIGOMA members, we want to hear from you.

Deadline: Friday 20th February

Interview date: Friday 27th February, in person only.

To find out more, contact Florence Drew at FlorenceDrew@barnsley.gov.uk or complete the online application.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to complete a task alongside an interview. Details of this will be shared to shortlisted candidates in advance of interviews.