Director of Strategy, Policy & Communications
Share this role
- Employer:
- London Borough of Newham
- Location:
- London
- Salary:
- £117,963 - £136,101
- Closing date:
- February 22nd
- Job Ref:
- GSe128993
Description
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 by contacting Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Kembi Coakelin (kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com).
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 view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.
How to Apply
- Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com