Greater London Authority - Assistant Director, External Relations

Role: Assistant Director, External Relations (1 Year Maternity Cover)

Reporting to: Executive Director of Strategy & Communications

Salary: £125,184 per annum

Role Overview

This role presents a unique opportunity at the heart of the Greater London Authority (GLA), where you will ensure the Mayor's communications with Londoners are delivered to the highest standards. You will be responsible for overseeing project execution, managing resources for effective communication across all key channels, and leading high-performing teams to success.

Please note that the successful applicant MUST be available to start the role on 1 st December.

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, we work for the Mayor and London Assembly to craft visionary plans, influence policy and manage iconic landmarks.

About the role

We seek a dynamic leader with strong leadership skills to collaborate closely with the Mayoral Director of Communications. This individual will take direction from the Mayor, through his team, to effectively lead and guide the unit and its teams.

In this role, you will oversee the execution of some of London's most iconic events, including major sporting and cultural celebrations like New Year's Eve, that highlight London as a global city. You will also support the Chief Officer and the Corporate Management Team in managing internal communications across the GLA. Flexibility is key; you will be expected to engage in multi-disciplinary and cross-organisational groups and project teams. Expertise in procurement is essential.

You will provide strategic communications advice and support to the Mayoral Director of Communications, the Mayoral Director of Political & Public Affairs, and other relevant Mayoral Directors and Deputy Mayors. This includes ensuring that the communication strategies of the GLA and the Mayor align with the broader goals of the GLA Group. Furthermore, you will allocate resources to achieve the objectives of the Mayor's Office and maintain primary responsibility for managing communications and joint events with the London Assembly.

We invite you to apply if you can provide strategic leadership to a large multidisciplinary team, serving as a voice of reason. We are particularly interested if you can demonstrate the skills, capabilities, knowledge, or track record in the following areas:

• Working at a senior strategic level within a complex and high-profile organisation, along with a deep understanding and proficiency in navigating a high-profile, politically sensitive environment. Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder setting.
• Solid corporate leadership through internal communications and being an active member of a senior leadership team, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities for all.
• Successfully leading teams in promoting and communicating key policies and initiatives across various external channels. At the same time, demonstrate a solid understanding of both traditional and digital communication campaigns to achieve strategic objectives.
• Leading the development and delivery of complex and politically sensitive multi-agency projects and/or large-scale events.
• Understanding of and commitment to the role of the GLA in promoting equal opportunities in employment and service delivery, combating discrimination and promoting the diverse needs of London's communities scale events.

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

• Assistant Director, External Relations - Candidate Pack

Closing Date: Sunday 22 nd September 2024 at 11:59 PM

How to Apply

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

Your answers should be no more than 2 pages in total, answering the following questions:

1. What skills and experience would you bring to this role?
2. How would you build an effective and inclusive team culture as a leader?
3. Can you outline your experience of working in a political environment or where you have had to work with senior high-profile stakeholders?

Interview Process

• Stage 1 - Screening with Diversifying Group: Tuesday 24th September - 4th October
• Stage 2 - Interviews with GLA Tuesday 15th October TBC

If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please feel free to contact Emmanuel from Diversifying Group at

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, 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 the recruitment team 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 Emmanuel Crosser at