Job Introduction
About Us
Oxfordshire County Council has an exciting opportunity for a head of service, who is an experienced practitioner in public affairs, policy and strategy, to lead our function encompassing public affairs, policy and strategy, and executive support. This is a 12-month secondment to provide maternity cover.
About the Role
Working in the Public Affairs, Policy and Partnerships service, the Head of Public Affairs and Strategy will lead a team of approximately 20 public affairs, policy and partnership officers, executive assistants and personal assistants. The postholder will be responsible for the development and delivery of the council’s public affairs strategy, the development of corporate strategy and policy in line with the council’s strategic plan, and the provision of executive support.
About you
The successful candidate will be an experienced senior manager, who is skilled at leading and developing a large diverse team. With strong advocacy and interpersonal skills, you will be a skilled public affairs and policy practitioner, with extensive experience of working with senior stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil servants, public and private sector partners, and elected members.
Rewards and benefits
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working where role permits
- 30 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
- Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.
Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
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