Consultant (Economic Development & Public Policy)

Counterculture has a long-established track record in assisting local councils, combined authorities, governments, trade associations and other public bodies to develop policies and strategies to grow their local and regional economies, creative industries sectors and cultural infrastructure. Our ability and capacity to do so has increased in recent years, through the recruitment of new partners, associates and staff with relevant experience and expertise in this field. In 2020, a new service area - Economic Development and Public Policy - was established to help drive growth in this area. Typically, such contracts are among the highest in value and often lead to further work. They are also among the most visible and impactful, extending our brand, networks and influence more broadly and rapidly than our work with individual private businesses and cultural organisations, which is often confidential on the grounds of commercial sensitivity. There is no indication that this pipeline of work will diminish and an identified need to maintain specialist capacity, building on existing methods through continual innovation and improvement, if we are to capitalize on our success to date. Our clients include Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, British Film Institute, Creative Industries Council, Creative UK and UK Music, as well as many local and combined authorities and other regional and sectoral agencies. There is also an identified opportunity to grow our share of the international market, building on relationships with bodies such as the British Council, Screen Ireland and our growing presence in territories such as Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The primary purpose of the role is to help develop and support opportunities, clients and projects in our Economic Development and Public Policy service area.
• The postholder will do so by providing flexible assistance in the following areas of business, under the direction of the Senior Partner (Economic Development and Public Policy) and other Partners and Staff, including in other service areas:

• Working collaboratively with our Business Development team to draft and coordinate high-quality bids, tenders, pitches and proposals in response to relevant opportunities.
• Collating and preparing relevant data, literature and other material for review and analysis.
• Undertaking desk-based review, research and analysis.
• Undertaking local and regional market research and mapping work.
• Designing and conducting structured stakeholder interviews and surveys and analysing findings.
• Assisting in the coordination and delivery of client and stakeholder meetings and events.
• Preparing or helping to prepare documents including (but not limited to) research reports, policy proposals, strategies, business cases, economic impact assessments, mapping and benchmarking studies, presentations and evaluations.
• Any other duties reasonably required by the appropriate to the role.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills – comfortable working with colleagues, clients and stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Excellent research and analysis skills - comfortable working with, summarising and assimilating complex numerical data and narrative information into high-quality reports and other research outputs that contribute to wider projects (e.g. business plans, strategies, business cases).
• Excellent IT skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint) and an enthusiasm and ability to embrace new and emerging digital technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence).
• An appreciation of the value of arts, culture, heritage and creativity both for their own sake and for their contribution to the economic development, health and wellbeing, and place-based regeneration of localities, regions and nations.
• The ability to work flexibly and autonomously where required and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Proactive mindset with a willingness to take the initiative and work collaboratively and decisively with our Partners & Associates.
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Educated to at least degree level, ideally in a relevant subject (e.g. economics, public policy).

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant professional experience.
• A good understanding of the national and international strategic context for arts, culture, heritage, creative industries and the visitor economy.
• Experience of writing and understanding bids, tenders and proposal documentation.
• Familiarity with relevant IT platforms and tools (e.g. Nomis, Datawrapper, Google Maps, GIS etc.)

ROLE DETAILS AND BENEFITS:

• Salary: £30,000-£35,000, contingent on location and experience.
• Location: Working from home and/or Counterculture offices predominantly (contingent on location). Some travel to client premises or other locations may be required from time to time.
• Hours: 36.25 hours (5 days) per week. Some flexibility on working hours may be possible, subject to line manager’s agreement.
• Holiday: 22 days per annum, increasing to 24 days after one year of service and 27 after a further three years.
• Pension scheme (employers’ contribution 3%, employees’ contribution 5%)
• Training and professional development opportunities.

Counterculture Partnership LLP takes great pride in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the company firmly believes that everyone should be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. We ensure that our job vacancies are advertised widely and through diverse channels to attract a broad pool of applicants. The company strictly adheres to a merit-based selection process, where candidates are assessed solely on their skills, qualifications, and abilities relevant to the role. If you have any access requirements you would like to discuss or require any support in making your application, please contact by an email.

HOW TO APPLY

• Timeline: Application deadline Friday 28 November at 5pm.
• Interviews Thursday 4 December (online)
• Application Method: Please submit your CV & Cover letter (2 x A4 sides for each maximum, please) setting out at least the following:

• Your suitability for the role, reasoned and evidenced where appropriate.
• Your relevant experience.
• The value you believe you will add to Counterculture.
• An indication of your availability and potential start date.