Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships - GLA

BAME Recruitment; London; On-site; GBP 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is seeking a Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships to lead strategic relationships and support the Mayor's initiatives in shaping London's future. The role involves navigating complex political environments, fostering stakeholder engagement, and enhancing collaborative approaches to address public challenges.

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs leadership.
• Understanding of central government and policy-making.
• Ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Building strategic relationships for the Mayor of London.
• Overseeing partnership approaches to tackle London's challenges.
• Championing effective joint work with various partners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Development

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position: Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships

Reporting to: Assistant Director, of Public Affairs and Partnerships

Salary: £98,873 per annum

About Greater London Authority (GLA)

Working for a better London for everyone - we have a role in many areas of London life - you probably see our work every day.

Join the Greater London Authority (GLA) and be at the heart of shaping London's future! At City Hall, collaborate with the Mayor and London Assembly to craft visionary plans, influence policy, boost London’s growth and manage iconic landmarks. Your role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the Mayor's mission, from transportation innovation to environmental challenges, and elevate everyday life in London.

About the role

The post holder will be responsible for building effective strategic relationships on behalf of the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority (GLA). The role will support the Mayoral Director: Government, Political and Strategic Engagement and their team, working to ensure public affairs priorities set by the Mayor’s office are met. They will work across the GLA Group, including supporting the GLA Corporate Management Team.

The post holder will oversee the further development of a partnership-based approach to tackling London’s challenges – one that leverages the convening powers of the Mayor and the GLA, drawing on ‘mission based’ approaches. In this way the post holder will ensure that stakeholder relationships are maintained, and that there are effective communications and engagement in the work with GLA senior officers.

They will act as an advocate, and champion for this approach across the GLA, ensuring continued, effective joint working with London Councils and partners building on strong existing relationship.

About you

We would love to hear from you if you have the skills, capability, knowledge or track record in:

• Developing and leading a high-performing team that has the trust and confidence of internal and external stakeholders.
• Navigating and understanding of central government, Parliament, and policy-making, with an understanding of London-wide government. Experience of the political landscape, policy and legislative processes of the nations and regions is also desirable.
• Public affairs or a high-profile political environment, navigating complex political landscapes with cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Developing partnership ways of working to support an organisation to deliver its objectives, and enhance its standing with its partners. In particular, an excellent understanding of the challenges facing London and the role different organisations play in helping to overcome them.
• Running high-profile boards, including engagement with members, ensuring quality products are produced and relationships are effectively maintained.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse senior political and stakeholder audiences with clarity and inclusivity.

To find out more about this role and how to apply, please click on the following link to review the candidate pack:

Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships – Candidate Pack

Closing Date: Sunday 29th June 2025 at 11:59 PM

How to Apply

If this role is of interest, please click apply and submit your CV, answering the questions. There is no requirement to attach a cover letter if the questions have been answered.

Your answers should be no more than 900 words in total, answering the following questions:

• As a senior public affairs leader, what is the key management challenges you expect to face in the coming years and how will you tackle it.
• What do you believe are the key public affairs issues facing the GLA over the next two years, and how will you approach them?
• From what you know about the opportunity, what skills and experience will you bring?

The appointment is subject to a successful social media check, evidence of right to work in the UK and DBS check.

The successful candidate should also be willing to undergo National Security Vetting.

Interview Process

Stage 1 - Video Interview with Diversifying Group: 1st – 11th July 2025

Stage 2 - Interviews with GLA week commencing 21st July 2025

If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please feel free to contact Jo from Diversifying Group at [e-mail]

Our Commitment

London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

Disability Confident

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, that should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact [e-mail] for further information if required.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we will always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please contact Jo Durham at [e-mail].