Head of Civic Events and Councillor Services

Head of Civic Events and Councillor Services

Waltham Forest is an ambitious Borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities and increase social cohesion. Our ambition is to ensure all of our residents can enjoy a good quality life. This includes working with residents to tackle the inequalities they face. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focussed on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.

As Head of Civic Events and Councillor Services, you will strategically manage a high performing and professional councillor support and civic events function for the council. Act as the lead officer for Councillor activity, including a comprehensive training and development programme, day-to-day support and strategic briefing to support all Councillors, in order for them to perform their roles to a high standard.

You will need to be someone who can develop high quality, well researched communications and recommendations in a dynamic environment. You will take a leadership role within the team, managing a small team that provide high quality administrative support to Cabinet and the Mayor. You will also have the ability to influence far beyond your direct reports, managing stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your experience, skills and ideas to influence the strategic direction of the Council and make a real difference to people’s lives. The successful applicant will have the following key skills:

• Able to work effectively across multiple teams and navigate a complex stakeholder environment, influencing at all levels of the organisation
• Operate at pace to prioritise work and the work of the team
• Have excellent communications skills and ability to analyse new information quickly to communicate to a range of audiences
• Be politically astute and able to deliver projects in political environments, with an awareness of civic protocol

Experience of working in local government is desirable but not essential, however, candidates will need a sound understanding of the political workings of local government and previous management experience.

Please contact rianna.terry@walthamforest.gov.uk, if you have any questions about this role or want to discuss your suitability.

For an initial 12 months, with the possibility of the role holder being made permanent.