Adviser to the Mayor Communications (News Media)

The Mayor’s Office

The Mayor's Office is responsible for supporting the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Supporting The Mayor, Deputy Mayors And Lead Advisors Such As The Chief Digital Officer, The Mayor’s Office Is Organised Into Four Small Units.

• Communications
• Mayoral Operations
• Policy and Delivery
• Political and Public Affairs

About The Role

The role sits at the heart of the Mayor of London’s office, ensuring that high-quality communications are delivered on a daily basis, particularly in the London and national media.

We are looking for a candidate who thrives on the fast pace and variety of the cycle of news and events in the capital, and the daily challenges faced by the Mayor and wider GLA.

A main responsibility will be driving strong media coverage in the London, national, and international press around the Mayor’s key priorities, while working closely alongside colleagues to ensure similar success in digital media and working with content creators.

You will be required to work very closely with the Mayor and senior team, including staffing events and managing the media, while providing Q&A and briefings to the Mayor.

You will be at the heart of driving successful values-driven campaigns and comms output working with partners across the Greater London Authority and other stakeholders and partners across London.

What your day will look like

• Provide high-level media and communications advice to the Mayor and Mayoral appointees as well as GLA teams, to ensure the priorities of the Mayor are delivered. Attend and participate in communications planning meetings and deliver activities outlined as required.
• Develop and utilise a significant network of contacts with key print, broadcast and online journalists, commentators, political editors and other correspondents, including the Westminster Lobby and national broadcasters.
• Demonstrate sound political judgement and high-quality political writing and keep up to date with current media trends including online media.
• Work with the digital team and others in external relations to ensure the Mayor’s priorities are communicated via news social media and content creators.
• Accompany the Mayor to external engagements and manage briefing and senior media stakeholder liaison, including on overseas visits.
• To write briefings and Q&As for the Mayor as required.
• To assist the Mayor’s Head of Strategic Communications and Senior Adviser to the Mayor, Briefing & Assembly Liaison by providing speechwriting and copy drafting support when required.
• Contribute to the management of cross-organisational communications activities as appropriate, working with the press, marketing and digital teams and the Mayor’s Office.
• To act-up to cover the role of Mayoral Director, Communications, as required as part of an out-of-hours rota.
• Manage staff and resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethic and Standards.
• Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
• Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• A high level of knowledge and experience within media management.
• A proven track record of success of co-ordinating, developing, leading and implementing media and public relations activities in a political or complex organisation
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the media - with particular regard to excellent relations with and contacts network of broadcast & print political reporters and correspondents - and experience of successfully targeting a range of different media to promote strategic policies and priorities.
• Experience of working with senior colleagues across policy and public affairs teams to solve problems and deliver communications outcomes.
• Being skilled to deliver high-quality written and in-person briefings to senior leaders under pressure and in a short time period.
• Knowledge and understanding of London and the issues facing a major world city

Behavioural Competencies

BUILDING AND MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 2

• Develops new professional relationships
• Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
• Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
• Fosters an environment where others feel respected
• Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals

STAKEHOLDER FOCUS

… is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.

Level 2

• Seeks to understand requirements, gathering extra information when needs are not clear
• Presents the GLA positively by interacting effectively with stakeholders
• Delivers a timely and accurate service
• Understands the differing needs of stakeholders and adapts own service accordingly
• Seeks and uses feedback from a variety of sources to improve the GLA’s service to Londoners

COMMUNICATING AND INFLUENCING

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.

Level 3

• Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
• Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
• Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
• Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
• Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organization

STRATEGIC THINKING

…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.

Level 2

• Works with a view to the future, prioritising own and others’ work in line with GLA objectives
• Briefs and prepares team to accomplish goals and objectives
• Communicates the GLA’s strategic priorities in a compelling and convincing manner, encouraging buy-in
• Balances own team

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