This is an exciting and unique opportunity to land a senior role in an influential local government organisation. The District Councils’ Network represents the diverse interests of our 183 member councils in England to central government.

The role offers frequent exposure to council leaders and chief executives across England as well as senior civil servants and Government ministers. It’s a great mix of policy, research, comms, and delivery.

You’ll get the opportunity to engage with the big strategic issues of the day, including levelling up, climate change, health and hardship, and devolution. The DCN wants to be the go-to organisation in local government, and you’ll play a pivotal part in making that happen.

The Job

This is a busy and stretching job, ideal for someone looking to build a local government career at senior levels. You’ll oversee the delivery of the DCN’s strategic priorities – ensuring we’re producing strong research, evidence, and policy, developing our communications and influencing strategy, and working closely with specialist policy officers in our member councils. You’ll support the Director to manage the DCN. There’ll be a strong emphasis on building new relationships with external organisations, including commercial sponsors.

The Person

We’re looking for an ambitious and highly motivated individual with good political antennae and the ability to work collaboratively and sensitively with a wide range of senior leaders.

You’ll be adept at analysing complex problems and diverse sources of information to produce compelling arguments.

You’ll have excellent oral and written communication skills, and a flair for communications. You’ll be able to work independently and confidently represent DCN to our members and external audiences.

You’ll be a supportive manager and a strong leader.

Experience of working in local government isn’t essential but you’ll be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the policy and delivery priorities for district and unitary councils.

The Benefits

The DCN is an equal opportunities employer and has flexible working practices:

• A generous annual leave entitlement
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Incremental pay award (awarded annually in April after one years’ service)

Closing date: 31 January 2022 (11:59pm).

Interview date: Week commencing 14 February 2022.

For more information, please contact James Hood, Director of the DCN james.hood@local.gov.uk