Director of Strategy, Policy and Communications

Overview

We’re 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, policy, horizon scanning and governance so that evidence, resident insight and equality analysis shape decisions; set frameworks for corporate planning and performance; ensure coherence across directorates; provide expert advice on high-risk, high-impact policy areas.
• Lead external positioning and relationships across central and regional government, think tanks and universities; champion inclusive, data-driven, co-produced policy that translates long-term challenges into tangible outcomes for residents; lead the council’s 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 collaborative culture. 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.

Role Details

Director of Strategy, Policy and Communications

Grade SMRE: £117,963 – £136,101

Find out more

Find out by contacting Duncan Collins (duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com), Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Kembi Coakelin (kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com).

We Are Newham

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.

How to apply

To apply please click on this Link

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found at https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.

About Us (original prose preserved in text): The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.