Director of Strategy, Policy and Communications

Connected Local Government; City of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organisation in London seeks a strategic leader to drive policy and governance initiatives. You will oversee the council’s strategic direction, ensuring that policy aligns with community needs and priorities. With deep expertise in strategy development, you will engage with high-level stakeholders and lead a team dedicated to fostering inclusion and effective policy. This role is key in shaping the future of the borough, offering a dynamic environment for impactful leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategy and policy development.
• Ability to work in complex environments and advise senior leaders.
• Commitment to inclusion and evidence-based policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and policy development for the council.
• Provide expert advice on governance and high-impact policy.
• Communicate with external stakeholders to enhance the council's position.

Skills

Political acumen

Strategic thinking

External influencing

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Job description

Overview

We’re sharpening our strategic focus and building on strong progress in policy development to deliver the Mayor’s priorities and our Corporate Plan. This is a pivotal role in shaping Newham’s future.

You’ll be the council’s strategic compass, leading strategy and policy, horizon scanning and governance so that evidence, resident insight and equality analysis shape everything we do. Working closely with the Mayor and Chief Executive, you’ll set frameworks for corporate planning and performance; ensure coherence across directorates; and give expert advice on high-risk, high-impact policy areas.

You’ll lead external positioning and relationships across central and regional government, think tanks and universities, showcasing Newham as the progressive learning organisation that we are. You’ll champion inclusive, data-driven, co-produced policy that translates long-term challenges into tangible outcomes for residents. You will also lead our well-established communications function.

About you

You’ll be a highly credible strategist with political acumen and resilience, able to work at pace in a complex environment. You’ll have deep expertise in strategy, policy development and governance, and the ability to align corporate priorities and performance frameworks. You’ll be skilled in external influencing and relationship-building at senior levels, and you’ll bring exceptional communication and analytical skills to create clarity from complexity.

You’ll have experience advising senior leaders, leading high-performing teams and fostering collaborative culture. Above all, you’ll be committed to inclusion, co-production and evidence-based policy—and comfortable navigating sensitive issues and high-profile challenges.

If you’re motivated by impact, equity and place-based leadership, this role offers a platform to shape the borough’s future.

Find out more on our campaign site: https://join-newham.com or contact Frazer Thouard ([e-mail]) or Kembi Coakelin ([e-mail]).

We are proud to serve one of London’s most diverse boroughs and are committed to building inclusive teams that reflect our communities.

We Are Newham. Join us.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.