Civic Engagement Manager in Matlock

Job Description

• 1 - 2 Month Contract With A Local Authority
• Job Purpose

To lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the Council’s civic, ceremonial and community engagement programme, ensuring events and engagements for the Speaker and Mayor are delivered effectively, professionally and in accordance with civic protocol.

The postholder will manage the Speaker’s Office, provide proactive advice and support on civic matters, promote civic engagement and local democracy, and ensure high standards of event delivery, stakeholder engagement and public representation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the annual civic engagement and events programme, including major civic occasions, ceremonial events, receptions, community events, flag-raising ceremonies, twinning activities and Freedom of the Borough events.
• Plan and coordinate civic and ceremonial engagements for the Speaker and Mayor, ensuring programmes are aligned with Council priorities and delivered efficiently and professionally.
• Manage the Speaker’s Office, including day-to-day operations, temporary staff, expenditure, correspondence, enquiries, diary and engagement arrangements.
• Provide expert advice to the Speaker, Mayor, Chief Executive and senior officers on civic protocol, ceremonial matters, political sensitivity and appropriate engagement.
• Ensure the Speaker and Mayor are fully briefed for engagements, including researching relevant issues and preparing speeches, briefings and supporting materials where required.
• Coordinate the induction of each new Speaker and ensure appropriate civic protocols, procedures and guidance are established, maintained and followed.
• Support the Speaker’s fundraising activities, including developing and coordinating fundraising plans and supporting delivery against agreed objectives.
• Act as the Council’s lead Civic Officer, providing dependable advice on civic ceremonial matters, protocol, civic traditions and representation.
• Promote civic engagement and local democracy through initiatives such as Town Hall tours, management of civic facilities and participation in Local Democracy Week activities.
• Maintain the security, inventory and appropriate use of civic regalia and Speaker artefacts, ensuring relevant policies, procedures and risk assessments are in place.
• Coordinate civic macebearer arrangements and ensure appropriate standards and protocols are maintained.
• Manage the Speaker’s transport arrangements, ensuring they are safe, cost-effective, dignified and compliant with relevant policies and security requirements.
• Coordinate the Council’s civic response to significant events, including the death of senior members of the Royal Family, the Mayor, Speaker, former Speaker or serving Councillors.
• Review and evaluate civic events and engagements, using feedback, benchmarking and best practice to continuously improve future delivery.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with councillors, officers, community organisations, external partners and other stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities and respond sensitively and professionally to confidential, controversial and politically sensitive matters.
• Work flexibly as required, including occasional evening and weekend attendance to support civic, ceremonial and fundraising events.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of civic engagement and service delivery.

Requirements

• Degree-level ability or equivalent professional experience and competence.
• Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering events, ideally within a local authority, public sector, civic or political environment.
• Experience of coordinating multiple projects, activities and competing priorities to meet deadlines and agreed standards.
• Experience of producing high-quality written materials, including briefings, correspondence, speeches, reports and event documentation.
• Experience of developing or supporting fundraising strategies and activities.
• Strong understanding of civic, democratic and ceremonial procedures and protocols.
• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of a civic office-holder, ideally including a Speaker or Mayor.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to handle sensitive, confidential and potentially controversial issues with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Ability to work collaboratively, demonstrate initiative and maintain a professional approach under pressure.
• Good IT skills and experience of using digital systems to support effective service delivery.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and cohesion principles and their application within a public sector environment.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including availability for evening and weekend civic, community and fundraising events when required.
• Additional Information

Location

• Within the London Borough of Hackney; hybrid working with
• 2–3 days per week in the office

Hours Per Week

Full-time hours, with flexibility required to support civic events and engagements outside normal office hours.

Bi-Weekly Payments