Senior Adviser to the Mayor, Strategic Communications

Salary: £79,159
Grade: 12
Location: City Hall 
Contract type: Permanent
Team: Communications 
Directorate: Mayor’s Office 
Closing Date: 22nd November 2024 at 23:59 GMT

 

The Mayor’s Office

The Mayor's Office is responsible for supporting the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Supporting the Mayor, Deputy Mayors and lead advisors such as the Chief Digital Officer, the Mayor’s Office is organised into four small units:

  • Communications
  • Mayoral Operations
  • Policy and Delivery
  • Political and Public Affairs.

 

About the role

The purpose of this role is to interpret the Mayor’s instructions for speech objectives, using a diverse range of writing styles. Draft and develop tailored in tone and content, speeches which are appropriate for the audience the Mayor is addressing.

The postholder will:

  • Evaluate the suitability and ensure consistency in the delivery of press briefings and speeches to raise the profile, credibility and influence of the Mayor.
  • Provide the Mayor with high-level strategic advice on tailored messaging to be included in speeches, editorials and other written material as appropriate

 

What your day will look like

  •  Offer guidance and input in relation to developing media interventions which reflect the Mayor’s priorities.
  • Working with the Mayoral Director, Communications, the Head of Strategic Communications and external relations, take an overview of and sign off where appropriate written communications from the Mayor to ensure they reflect the style and position of the Mayor.
  • Working with the Director of Communications, the Head of Strategic Communications and external relations team to develop influential press and social media interventions where the objectives of the Mayor are clearly defined.
  • Work with the press team and policy teams to identify and develop interesting stories which reflect the Mayor’s priorities.
  • Identify and take advantage of opportunities to draft innovative editorials, articles, briefings, statements and other written communications as required by the Mayor.
  • Help to review, edit, and approve written and oral answers for Mayor’s Question Time and similar events.
  • Commission briefing papers and use them to draft speaking notes, lines to take and Q&As to ensure the Mayor is well briefed ahead of public and media appearances.

 

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

  • Successful track record of researching and developing a diverse range of speeches, editorials, articles, briefings, statements and other written communications within a complex political environment
  • Proven impact in supporting senior politicians to shape and influence policy formulation by improving their profile and credibility
  • Knowledge and understanding of the media and experience of using different communication approaches to promote strategic policies and priorities
  • Knowledge and understanding of the political landscape in London and the issues facing a major world city
  • Evidence of the ability to write concisely and fluently

Please find the full Job Description here

 

How to apply 

If you would like to apply for the role you’ll need to submit:

  • a Word statement (1,500 words) outlining how you meet the essential criteria as well as the competencies outlined in the advert.

 

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment will be: TBC

 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.

Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview.

 

Additional information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Senior Adviser to the Mayor, Strategic Communications