Democratic Services and Elections Officer - Ebley Mill - Stroud in High Bentham

Are you organised, detail‐focused and interested in developing your skills? Do you enjoy working with people, managing competing priorities and learning about how local democracy works? We are seeking a Democratic Services and Elections Officer to join our ambitious and motivated team. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the heart of our democratic process, delivering local and national elections, supporting Council meetings and Councillors, whilst gaining extensive experience in electoral services.

What you'll do:

• Help support the team to deliver key statutory functions relating to elections and referenda.
• Take a leading role in the delivery of electoral registration, the annual canvass and democratic engagement activities.
• Act as a first point of contact for the service, delivering professional customer service.
• Prepare and distribute agendas for Council and committee meetings to support effective decision making.
• Take accurate and comprehensive minutes during meetings, capturing key discussions and decisions.
• Work closely with elected Members, prospective candidates and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

What you'll bring:

• A positive 'can do' attitude with enthusiasm for your work.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with Councillors, officers, and external stakeholders.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• IT proficiency, including experience with the Microsoft Office suite and virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Teams).
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours, including occasional evening Council meetings and additional hours during peak periods, including elections.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, working in a political environment.

Why apply?

This role offers the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of interesting projects while delivering important statutory and legislative functions. It provides a unique opportunity to expand your skills in democratic services, electoral administration and project delivery. You'll be playing a pivotal role in supporting local democracy, ensuring the smooth operation of Council meetings and elections. If this role feels like your next opportunity and you are excited to join an ambitious, friendly, and driven team, we would love to hear from you!

We offer flexible hybrid working, comprehensive training and opportunities for professional development to support your career progression. This role is a politically restricted post. The post holder is required to work with complete political impartiality and is subject to restrictions on certain political activities in line with legislation and the Council's Politically Restricted Post Policy.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council's HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.

Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It's green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious.