Mayoral Strategic Advisor

West Midlands Combined Authority; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking a strategic advisor to support the Mayor, Chief of Staff and Mayoral Office. The role focuses on delivering timely advice, high-quality briefings and robust planning to turn Mayoral priorities into action.

You will coordinate the transition of fire and policing responsibilities to the Mayor and support the Mayoral Commissioner for Communities and Public Services, working across WMCA with senior external partners.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering complex initiatives.
• Experience managing teams and providing high-quality briefings.
• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and event planning.
• Strong networks within UK political and civic circles.
• Experience working in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments.
• Experience overseeing high-profile events, briefings and ministerial visits.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice, analysis, briefings and coordination to the Mayor, Chief of Staff and Mayoral Office, supporting effective decision-making and delivery of Mayoral priorities.
• Coordinate activity connected with the transition of fire and policing responsibilities to the Mayor and support the work of the Mayoral Commissioner for Communities and Public Services.
• Develop and deliver the Mayor's stakeholder engagement strategy, building productive relationships with Ministers, MPs, councillors, local authorities, public-sector partners, businesses and community leaders.
• Oversee strategic projects, the Mayoral forward plan and high-profile engagements, including ministerial visits, public events and meetings.
• Coordinate contributions from teams across WMCA, ensuring briefings, speeches, reports and agendas are accurate, timely and aligned with regional and political priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight across the Mayoral Office's advisory work, monitoring progress, managing risks and resources, and helping colleagues and partners deliver high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Project leadership

Strategic advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Event planning

Cross-organisational coordination

Job description

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the West Midlands' mayoral agenda, providing strategic advice, coordination and stakeholder support to help turn Mayoral priorities into effective regional action.

You will support the Mayor, Chief of Staff and Mayoral Office with timely advice, high-quality briefings and strategic planning. A key part of your role will be helping to coordinate the transition of new fire and policing responsibilities to the Mayor, including supporting the Mayoral Commissioner for Communities and Public Services.

Working across the organisation and with senior external partners, you will build strong relationships, bring clarity to complex issues and make sure the Mayor's engagements and priorities are well coordinated. You will operate in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment where sound judgement, collaboration and a clear focus on outcomes are essential.

Please note, this is a fixed-term contract until 02/05/2028.

What you will be doing

• Provide strategic advice, analysis, briefings and coordination to the Mayor, Chief of Staff and Mayoral Office, supporting effective decision-making and delivery of Mayoral priorities.
• Coordinate activity connected with the transition of fire and policing responsibilities to the Mayor and support the work of the Mayoral Commissioner for Communities and Public Services.
• Develop and deliver the Mayor's stakeholder engagement strategy, building productive relationships with Ministers, MPs, councillors, local authorities, public-sector partners, businesses and community leaders.
• Oversee strategic projects, the Mayoral forward plan and high-profile engagements, including ministerial visits, public events and meetings.
• Coordinate contributions from teams across WMCA, ensuring briefings, speeches, reports and agendas are accurate, timely and aligned with regional and political priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight across the Mayoral Office's advisory work, monitoring progress, managing risks and resources, and helping colleagues and partners deliver high-quality outcomes.

What's essential

• A proven track record of delivering complex initiatives, managing teams and providing high-quality briefings.
• Strong project management skills gained within a political environment, consultancy, public service or the Civil Service.
• Demonstrable knowledge of stakeholder engagement and event planning.
• A strong network within UK political and civic circles.
• Significant experience of managing senior stakeholders, including government officials, MPs and civic leaders.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment.
• Experience of overseeing high-profile events, briefings and ministerial visits.