Strategic Partnerships Manager

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a candidate to lead the development and coordination of strategic partnerships to enhance community-focused service delivery in Dorset. This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, influencing policy both regionally and nationally, and utilizing a systems-led approach to tackle complex challenges within the public sector. Strong skills in partnership working and strategy development are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of partnership working and strategy development in complex public sector environments.
• Exposure to national and local political contexts.
• Ability to influence across organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and coordination of strategic partnerships.
• Establish and test new approaches to neighbourhood governance.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders.
• Champion collaborative working and tackle complex challenges.

Skills

Partnership working

Strategy development

Influencing stakeholders

Problem-solving

Job description

This is an opportunity to shape how Dorset Council works with partners across government, the voluntary and community sector, and Town and Parish Councils.

You’ll help drive a more joined-up, community-focused approach to delivering services, directly supporting our Communities for All priority within the Dorset Council Plan 2024-29. You’ll work at the heart of national conversations on devolution and community empowerment, representing Dorset locally, regionally, and nationally.

You’ll also join a supportive team committed to our organisational values of Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness and Curiosity.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll lead the development and coordination of high-impact strategic partnerships that bring organisations together to improve outcomes for Dorset’s communities. A key part of the role involves working with partners to establish and test new approaches to neighbourhood governance, ensuring decision-making and service delivery are better aligned with what communities need. You’ll represent Dorset within regional and national networks, influence policy, shape external agendas, and support efforts to secure funding that benefits local people. The role also includes providing expert advice to senior leaders, championing collaborative working, and taking a system-wide approach to tackling complex challenges. The job description outlines further responsibilities, including partnership development, lobbying, strategy coordination and matrix leadership of policy colleagues.

About You

• you bring proven experience of partnership working and strategy development in complex public sector environments, ideally with exposure to national and local political contexts
• you have a confident, strategic approach and can translate policy direction into practical action
• you are skilled at building relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing across organisations
• you communicate clearly, think proactively and work collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes
• you are comfortable taking a systems-led approach to problem-solving, working across boundaries to improve outcomes for communities