At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and policy development to shape Newham's future and deliver the Mayor's priorities.
- Company: Join a progressive council committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence high-impact policies and work in a diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through data-driven, co-produced policies.
- Qualifications: Expertise in strategy, policy development, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on equity and place-based leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are sharpening our strategic focus and building on strong progress in policy development to deliver the Mayor's priorities and our Corporate Plan. This is a pivotal role in shaping Newham's future. You'll be the council's strategic compass, leading strategy and policy, horizon scanning and governance so that evidence, resident insight and equality analysis shape everything we do.
Working closely with the Mayor and Chief Executive, you'll set frameworks for corporate planning and performance; ensure coherence across directorates; and give expert advice on high-risk, high-impact policy areas. You'll lead external positioning and relationships across central and regional government, think tanks and universities, showcasing Newham as the progressive learning organisation that we are. You'll champion inclusive, data-driven, co-produced policy that translates long-term challenges into tangible outcomes for residents. You will also lead our well-established communications function.
About you
You'll be a highly credible strategist with political acumen and resilience, able to work at pace in a complex environment. You'll have deep expertise in strategy, policy development and governance, and the ability to align corporate priorities and performance frameworks. You'll be skilled in external influencing and relationship-building at senior levels, and you'll bring exceptional communication and analytical skills to create clarity from complexity. You'll have experience advising senior leaders, leading high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative culture.
Above all, you'll be committed to inclusion, co-production and evidence-based policy—and comfortable navigating sensitive issues and high-profile challenges. If you're motivated by impact, equity and place-based leadership, this role offers a platform to shape the borough's future.
We are proud to serve one of London's most diverse boroughs and are committed to building inclusive teams that reflect our communities. We Are Newham. Join us.
Director of Strategy, Policy & Communications in London employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Strategy, Policy & Communications in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Newham. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. It’s all about making those connections that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your strategic thinking and policy development skills. When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, use this to demonstrate how you can shape Newham's future.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the council or related organisations to express your interest in contributing to their goals. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay informed and engaged! Keep up with Newham’s latest initiatives and challenges. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the community. Plus, it gives you great talking points when networking!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategy, Policy & Communications in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Strategy, Policy & Communications role. Highlight your expertise in strategy and policy development, and don’t forget to showcase your political acumen!
Showcase Your Impact: We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to translate complex challenges into tangible outcomes for residents. This will help us understand your approach to evidence-based policy.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, especially when discussing your experience in governance and relationship-building.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape Newham's future.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the strategic goals of the council and how they align with the Mayor's priorities. Familiarise yourself with Newham's Corporate Plan and be ready to discuss how your experience in strategy and policy development can contribute to these objectives.
✨Showcase Your Political Acumen
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex political environments. Think about times when you've successfully influenced senior leaders or built relationships with external stakeholders, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your experience with evidence-based policy-making. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and resident insights to shape policies in the past, and how you plan to continue this approach in your role at Newham.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Director of Strategy, Policy & Communications, your communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex issues. This will help you convey clarity from complexity, which is key for this role.