Job Introduction
An exciting opportunity has arisen to provide political support to the Conservative Group on Milton Keynes Council. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with exceptional political and communication skills.
Working closely with the Group Leader, your role will primarily involve advising on political issues, and will also include dealing with the media, preparing speeches and briefing notes, and researching policy issues. You will act as the focus for information gathering and dissemination with community groups, MPs, local authorities, commercial groups and deal with Officers at all levels.
Strong networking skills are essential to enable you to play a central part in the effective preparation and delivery of the Group’s future political strategy. As someone who understands and is sympathetic to the policies of the Conservative Party, you will bring acute political judgement, the ability to analyse data quickly, have excellent written and oral skills and good IT knowledge with real ambition to move the Party to its fullest local potential.
The post is subject to political restriction in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Hours of work will include evenings and possibly weekends
Main Responsibility
- Drafting speeches, media releases, comments, articles, social media, preparing councillors for interviews etc
- Preparing motions and questions for Full Council Meetings
- Lead, manage and contribute to political research for councillors in the Group
- Liaising with the regional and national party office
- Advise on political issues
The Ideal Candidate
- A detailed understanding of and commitment to the priorities agenda of the political group appointed to. Knowledge of the local political structure and operation.
- Experience of building and sustaining effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders including elected Councillors and Senior Officers.
- Awareness of the sensitivities of working with elected members and the ability to work with tact and diplomacy in a confidential environment.
- Membership of the political party appointed to support.
- Good IT skills with experience of Microsoft Office and Windows
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cashplan
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
- Childcare Subsidy
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
