Senior Policy Officer

6 days ago

Dorchester DT XJ, United Kingdom Dorset Council Full time £40,000 - £60,000 per year

Join us as a Senior Policy Officer and help drive the transformation of local government in Dorset. This is your chance to influence high-profile agendas, work alongside senior leaders, and help shape the services that matter most to our communities.

You'll:

  • Work directly with senior leaders and decision-makers on high-profile agendas such as devolution and regional advocacy.
  • Influence policy at a strategic level, helping to shape services that make a real difference to Dorset's communities.
  • Be part of a supportive, collaborative team that values creativity, evidence-based thinking, and continuous improvement.
  • Gain exposure to a wide range of services and partners, building a strong professional network and developing your leadership profile.

What you can expect to be doing

As a Senior Policy Officer, you'll act as the senior policy lead for the council, working closely with the Strategy, Performance and Sustainability service and wider directorates. You'll:

  • Drive the development and implementation of corporate policies and strategic projects.
  • Provide expert advice to senior officers and members on emerging policy issues.
  • Coordinate and contribute to service reviews, inspections, and peer assessments.
  • Build strong partnerships across the council and with external stakeholders to ensure joined-up, evidence-based policy development.
  • Support the Head of Strategy and Corporate Director in driving service improvement and delivering corporate objectives.
  • Operate in a matrix environment, often leading cross-cutting initiatives and contributing to strategic planning.

About you

We're looking for someone with a strong background in policy and strategy, who can think strategically and act with influence. You'll need:

  • A degree or equivalent experience, with evidence of continued professional development.
  • Significant experience in policy development and working with senior leadership.
  • A track record of delivering change and improving services through strategic thinking.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • The ability to analyse complex information quickly and make sound recommendations.
  • Confidence working in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
  • Strong IT skills and the ability to travel as required.

Experience working with government departments and existing links in the sector would be a bonus.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Strategy & Policy Lead, Rachel Anderson-Holson, rachel.anderson- or Liz Crocker, Head of Strategy:

This role requires a minimum one a day week office attendance at County Hall, Dorchester. There may also be a requirement for other national travel on an ad hoc basis.

This post requires you to have access to sensitive information. It will be subject to a Basic Criminal Records Check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

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