Head of Government Affairs

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £64,357 - £69,357 (Grade 14) pay award pending
• Location: London (with the ability to visit the Sheffield office once a month)

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.

Applications require a cover letter to outline your interest and suitability for the role (no more than 2 A4 sides long).

Key Responsibilities

The Government Affairs Lead will represent the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and its priorities and objectives in Westminster and Whitehall. This is a business-critical role for ensuring that SYMCA's voice is heard at the highest levels of government and that the organisation is well-informed about national policy developments.

You'll liaise with teams across the Combined Authority and work closely with the Mayor and the Executive Leadership Board to provide intelligence from Westminster, making recommendations at a senior level to achieve organisational objectives; enabling SYMCA to plan ahead and set appropriate strategies for policy development.

You will be responsible for leading the development and delivering the authority's public affairs strategy. The successful candidate will lead and guide the Executive Board and Management Teams, aligning the strategy to the MCA's overall objectives. This includes providing appropriate advice and challenge to the Mayor, senior team and policy leads, collaborating cross-functionally to integrate public affairs principles into the organisation's daily operations and decision-making processes.

Please note that this is a politically restricted post.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You'll have the ability to work effectively in complex environments, operating at some of the highest levels across Westminster and Whitehall with senior Government officials and Ministers, Local Authority executives and business leaders.

We would love to hear from those that have the following:

• A specialist technical qualification and / or extensive experience gained over several years working in a communications, PR or external affairs advising Senior Management.
• Extensive experience in government affairs, public policy, or a related field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, including an established professional network within government and public policy circles.
• Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of political dynamics and uses this to manage relationships and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Knowledge of the full range of current communication, media relations, public involvement and public opinion research strategy.
• Experience working within or with government bodies and elected officials.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include -

• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
• Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
• Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!
• Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications
• Holiday - Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.