Principal Comms & Stakeholder Officer

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Job Title: Principal Communications & Stakeholder Officer – Oxford Street Transformation 
Job Ref: 853
Salary: £63,112 per annum 
Grade: 10 
Location: Union Street  
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term 

Application Deadline: 10th March, 2025
Team: Oxford Street Transformation  
Directorate: Good Growth 
 
Good Growth  
 
Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing theMayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work. 
 
About the team  
 
The Oxford Street Transformation Team is being established to deliver on the Mayor’s ambition for Oxford Street as set out in his joint announcement with the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on the 17th September 2024.  
 
The Mayor of London’s Oxford Street Transformation Programme will deliver a premier shopping and leisure destination, that reflects its place at the centre of a global city, attracting tourists and locals alike, and generating significant economic activity – all subject to public consultation. 
 

• A flagship project demonstrating the Mayor’s commitment to high streets and to London's global status, proposals include:  
• Creating a pedestrianised boulevard to unlock the full potential of the street, creating beautiful public space and allowing for activation with a curated offer 
• Piloting innovative ideas using smart data to inform cultural and social programming and business support  
• Delivering a greener, more sustainable and climate resilient district  
• Creating an inclusive neighbourhood that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, removing barriers to participation and accessibility 
• Harnessing exemplar design that showcases the best of London’s talent, assets and opportunities – a place that Londoners feel proud of and those coming to London want to visit, invest in and return to. 

 
At the end of the 2-year fixed term there may be an opportunity for these roles to transfer into any MDC that is established, subject to consultation and confirmation of the detailed organisational design. 
 
The team is focused, high performing and collaborative. 
 
About the role
 
The purpose of this role is: 
 

1. To support the development and delivery of the communications strategy for the Oxford Street transformation programme, including through supporting the Senior Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager and working with colleagues in the Mayor’s Office, External Relations, the wider GLA and senior colleagues at functional bodies including Transport for London (TfL). 
2. To identify, develop and maintain the core partnerships and stakeholder relationships necessary to achieve the Mayor’s objectives for Oxford Street, including securing consensus and support for the proposals for the transformation of the thoroughfare and its potential long-term management through a Mayoral Development Corporation (and the resulting economic, social and environmental benefits). 
3. To support the Senior Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager in the overall delivery of the transformation programme through the development and implementation of effective public engagement and consultation processes, consistent with legal requirements and Mayoral objectives.  
4. To support the Senior Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager in providing high level communications advice to the Mayor’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner and the wider Mayoral team, and to co-ordinate and proactively develop relationships 

 
What your day will look like  
 

1. Support the Senior Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager with the development of the communications and stakeholder management strategy for Oxford Street Transformation Programme. This will include scoping and development of new channels and opportunities for the Mayor’s Oxford Street communications (e.g. newsletter, social media etc) including research, analysis, option appraisals and consultation.  
2. Design and deliver campaigns on the Mayor’s Oxford Street Transformation priorities, working closely with policy teams within the GLA, TfL and with our wide range of external partners. 
3. Shape a positive conversation on Oxford Street Transformation, working closely with specialist teams in other GLA directorates, external partners in relevant sectors, with community groups and the third sector. 
4. Manage and ensure the effective implementation and delivery of a range of projects and campaigns carried out either internally or externally.  
5. Establish, maintain and manage strong working relationships with stakeholders within and outside the GLA, engaging with a wide variety of people from public and private organisations active and interested in supporting Oxford Street Transformation, and represent the GLA in a variety of forums, in order to ensure opportunities for integration and inter-disciplinary working are realised. 
6. Working closely with the press office, respond to media enquiries effectively and efficiently.  
7. Take responsibility for strategic horizon scanning in relation to communicating the Oxford Street Transformation portfolio and disseminating information and advice within the GLA Group and with partner organisations and functional bodies. 
8. Contribute to advice, written and oral, to the Mayor and his staff, senior managers, Members of the Assembly, and Functional Bodies, GLA staff, government departments, London-based and national organisations on Oxford Street Transformation communication-related matters, making recommendations on policy and strategy options as needed. 
9. Contribute to responses to questions and correspondence to the Mayor and from Assembly members, Government departments and other organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 
10. Gather and analyse relevant data and evidence to ensure that communication of strategy, policy, projects and programmes is developed with a solid evidence base capable of evaluation. 
11. Manage any project and programme resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards. 
12. Take a proactive role in corporate planning and contributing to the overall performance management frameworks of the GLA as a whole and the Directorate. 
13. Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities, particularly in the context of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on some of those communities. 
14. Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams. 

 
Skills, knowledge and experience  
 

1. To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria: 
2. Experience in the field of strategic communications, particularly related to transport, air quality and regeneration in a political setting, is desirable.  
3. Evidence of success in undertaking project-based work and preparing clear and concise reports, presentations and briefings on complex and sensitive issues for a range of different audiences.   
4. Experience managing and delivering social media content and campaigns. 
5. Attention to detail and ability to digest complex information and present it in an accessible way. 

We are looking for candidates who are proactive, collaborative and comfortable working on a fast-paced programme.  
 
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework  
 
How to apply
 
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following: 
 

• Up to date CV  
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert. 

 
Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement. 
Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345) 
As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.  
 
If you have questions about the role 
 
If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Jenny Killin would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at jenny.killin@london.gov.uk.  
 
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk  who support the GLA with recruitment. 
 
Assessment process  

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel. 
 
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment. 
 
The interview/assessment date is: Week Commencing March 17th 
  
Equality, diversity and inclusion  
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. 
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.  
Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, 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. 
 
Benefits 
 
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office. 

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme. 
 
Additional Information  
 
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration. 
 
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.   
 

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Have you uploaded both your CV and a separate personal statement as an individual documents?
1.    Yes, I have uploaded both.
2.    No, I have not uploaded both yet.

 
Secondment Opportunity 
 
If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying  

• On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period; 
• successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role; and 
• at least 18 months service with the GLA  

 
If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed. 
 
If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment.  For further information, please see econdment Policy and Procedure. 
 
IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on a fixed-term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment. 
 
If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application 
 
More Support 
If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact  resourcingteam@london.gov.uk 

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application. 
 

Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role. Please upload a personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form, ensuring you address the following technical requirements and competencies in your personal statement. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.
 
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework.

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

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. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

In addition to a good salary package, we offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.