Head of News and Media and Chief Mayoral Speechwriter

at  South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

DESCRIPTION

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £57,999-£62,879 (Grade 13)* pay award pending
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
  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.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

The post-holder will have a proven ability of leadership at senior level as this role will require them to work in a collaborative manner with the Mayor, elected Members, senior leaders across directorates, and local authority colleagues, external partners, community members and other bodies that interact with this role. Experience of providing strategic and tactical counsel to senior leaders and ability to influence, negotiate and challenge is a must.

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

• Substantial experience in a management role within a fast-paced communications team or a press office. Ideally with some experience gained working within a government or political environment.
• Significant experience of leading on proactive and reactive including developing and delivering plans to promote the successes and defend the reputation of an organisation through press releases, op-ed articles, press conferences and interviews is required.
• Substantial experience of working with local, regional and national media across print, broadcast and digital is essential.
• Experience of speechwriting which is a key component of the role. This includes drafting speeches for major events and conferences, scripts for video content and publications ensuring a consistent tone of voice.
• Experience of supporting the development of, and delivering communication strategy through planning, setting targets, developing tactical plans and monitoring performance.
• Experience of motivating teams, managing staff, and has a commitment to supporting learning and development.
• Can demonstrate strong stakeholder relationships internally and externally, identifying and delivering communications plans and deliverable within specified timescales and within budget.

The Head of News and Media and Chief Mayoral Speechwriter will be a senior member of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Communications Team, reporting to the Director of Communications. This role will shape and protect the reputation of the Mayor and MCA.
The post-holder will develop and deliver the news and media requirements of the SYMCA Communications Strategy, ensuring SYMCA shapes the daily news agenda and promotes priorities to various audiences. They will advise senior colleagues on media matters, build relationships with journalists, and ensure effective media engagement.

The role includes managing a News and Media Team, handling media enquiries, and delivering proactive media content. The speechwriting aspect involves drafting speeches and other materials for the Mayor, ensuring a consistent tone. The post-holder will also support wider communications, events, and digital activities, working closely with the Mayor and various media teams.

• Please note that this is a politically restricted post.