Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for shaping public policy and driving meaningful change? Birmingham City Council is seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior team as Assistant Director of Strategy and External Affairs.
What You'll Be Doing
* Lead strategic policy engagement with national and regional bodies, ensuring Birmingham's priorities are heard and acted upon.
* Shape the council's position on public service reform, inclusive growth, and economic development.
* Develop and deliver lobbying strategies, funding bids and advocacy campaigns.
* Provide high-level briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders including the MD, Deputy Chief Executive and Cabinet.
* Represent Birmingham in WMCA forums and lead joint policy initiatives with partners such as Core Cities.
* Oversee the Cabinet Office and Strategic Partnerships, aligning external affairs with internal strategy.
* Drive a culture of collaboration and innovation, working across departments and with external experts to deliver impactful outcomes.
* Build trusted partnerships and champion diversity and inclusion.
Qualifications
* Proven strategic leadership in complex stakeholder environments.
* Deep understanding of UK government policy, devolution and public sector reform.
* Exceptional communication and analytical skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
* Experience in programme and project management, delivering results under pressure.
* Strong political acumen and the ability to navigate and shape policy landscapes.
We are committed to driving positive outcomes for our residents and welcome applicants who share these principles.
Equality and Diversity
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve. For this level of role, ethnic minorities are under-represented, and we will use positive action to support diverse shortlists, which may mean longer recruitment times.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer and is committed to providing reasonable adjustments. Proof of right to work in the UK is required for all applicants.
Benefits
Excellent terms and conditions, generous annual leave, a great pension scheme, well-being support, annual travel passes and discounts at a range of city-centre establishments.
How to Apply
Please upload an up-to-date CV and a cover letter via the attachments section of your application – both are required for shortlisting. Applications without a CV will not be considered.
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