At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and communications to empower communities and enhance services.
- Company: Sandwell Council, dedicated to transforming local services and engaging residents.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Sandwell and drive meaningful change in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate strategy, policy development, and political environments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Enabling People, Empowering Communities, Enhancing Places. Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. We have been through a period of significant challenge including government intervention, but through determination and our drive for excellence, we look to the future with pride and a sense of purpose. While we have come so far, there is more to do; breaking down silos, embedding our values across the organisation, and ensuring that we continue to transform to deliver the best services for our residents.
Created 50 years ago from six proud towns, each unique but united by a shared identity and rich culture, Sandwell is a place built on making things happen. It’s where industry met innovation, and where strong communities continue to shape the future.
We are looking for a dynamic Service Director of Strategy & Communications to develop and lead high‑performing functions at a pivotal moment in our organisational journey. Bringing together corporate strategy, policy and performance, along with communications, you will develop a directorate with a unified vision driving organisational clarity, aligned with political ambition and ensuring our collective focus on empowering services to deliver for our residents and local businesses.
You will strengthen the corporate leadership of these core enabling functions, whilst having the agility to reflect specific service needs so that our strategic approach meets the needs of Sandwell. Working with political leaders and the strategic leadership team, you will develop clear organisational strategy and policy that will shape how we operate as an organisation, and support how we deliver our ambitions.
You will inform marketing, communications and community engagement strategies, ensuring residents' voices are not only heard but that we reflect the needs of local people in how the council goes about its business. Bring a depth of corporate strategy and policy development experience, along with experience of working within a political environment and the ability to develop and implement communications, strategy, policy and performance functions.
Engaging and motivating colleagues across the authority and with our partners, you will translate political and organisational priorities into clear messaging internally and externally, ensuring that messaging is coherent and engages our residents and workforce. You will connect the dots between strategy, policy, and service improvement.
Service Director – Strategy & Communications in Birmingham employer: Sandwell Council
Contact Detail:
Sandwell Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director – Strategy & Communications in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
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Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference.
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Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director – Strategy & Communications in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of Sandwell. Show us that you get what we're all about!
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and experiences that align with the role of Service Director – Strategy & Communications.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through! We want to see your commitment to empowering communities and enhancing places. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sandwell's recent initiatives and challenges. Familiarise yourself with their corporate strategy and how it aligns with community needs. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely care about the organisation’s mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to develop and implement strategies in a political environment. Highlight instances where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and translated complex policies into clear, actionable plans.
✨Engage with Their Vision
During the interview, connect your personal values and professional goals with Sandwell’s vision of empowering communities. Discuss how you can contribute to breaking down silos and enhancing services for residents, making it clear that you’re aligned with their ambitions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current strategic priorities or how they measure success in communications and community engagement. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the position.