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- Tasks: Manage the town's statutory responsibilities and lead a dedicated staff team.
- Company: Join a historic market town with a vibrant community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude; CiLCA certification required within 12 months.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting local government re-organisation and asset management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Rye is a small, historic market town – on the East Sussex-Kent coastal border – with a population of around 4,500. It is a popular visitor destination – with a strong sense of community – and is one of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports’ two Antient Towns.
The Council needs a Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) who can manage its statutory responsibilities, lead the staff team, maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local organisations – and steer the Council through local government re-organisation, as it prepares to take over assets from Rother District Council.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who can demonstrate both management skills and the ability to think strategically. The successful candidate will hold – or will be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).
Responsibilities- Manage statutory responsibilities
- Lead the staff team
- Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local organisations
- Steer the Council through local government re-organisation as it prepares to take over assets from Rother District Council
- Excellent communicator with a ‘can do’ attitude; able to demonstrate management skills and the ability to think strategically
- Hold – or be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)
- Salary: £46,000 - £54,000 – depending on experience and qualifications
- Starting salary: £46,000 – £54,000 – depending on experience and qualifications
- Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week – with flexibility)
- Closing date: Sunday 8 February 2026, midnight
Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) employer: Society of Local Council Clerks
Contact Detail:
Society of Local Council Clerks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to local organisations and community groups in Rye. Building relationships can give you the inside scoop on job opportunities and help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the community and its needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Town Clerk & RFO, you'll need to convey information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Town Clerk & RFO. We want to see how you can bring that ‘can do’ attitude to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an excellent communicator, it’s important to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Highlight Your Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and manage responsibilities. Be sure to include specific instances where you’ve successfully managed projects or teams, showcasing your strategic thinking.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Local Council Clerks
✨Know Your Local Government
Familiarise yourself with the local government structure and recent changes in Rye. Understanding how the Council operates and its relationship with Rother District Council will show your commitment and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's leading a team or liaising with local organisations, demonstrating your communication prowess is key for this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your management style and provide specific instances where you've successfully led a team. Highlighting your ability to motivate and guide staff will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Strategic Thinking Questions
Anticipate questions that assess your strategic thinking abilities. Think about challenges the Council might face during the re-organisation and come prepared with ideas on how you would address them.
