Salary: £58,239 - £69,228 per annum
Grade: HOS1
Contract: Fixed Term until May 2028
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: York, North Yorkshire
The Organisation
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority has a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.
The Opportunity
As the Mayor's most senior advisor, the Head of the Mayor’s plays a pivotal role in translating political ambition into actionable policies, ensuring seamless alignment between policy execution and operational oversight. This position guarantees that the Mayor's priorities are effectively implemented by the Mayor’s Office, the Combined Authority, and external partners.
As the primary point of contact for stakeholders engaging with the Mayor, the Head of the Mayor’s Office ensures the Mayor's agenda is executed with precision, pace, and impact. This role demands a profound understanding of public affairs, operations, and policy delivery, providing strategic counsel to the Mayor and ensuring the smooth functioning of the office.
Moreover, the Head of the Mayor’s Office is tasked with articulating the Mayor's vision to partners and stakeholders, ensuring it resonates across the region. This involves collaborating with the Combined Authority and external organisations to maximise alignment with the Mayor's priorities and strategically utilising the Mayor's time to drive impactful results.
Please note: this position aligns with the Mayor's term in office.
What you will bring.
- Leadership & Oversight: direct and manage the Mayor’s agenda, ensuring effective implementation of the Mayor’s vision through policy development, operational delivery, and public affairs.
- Strategic Coordination: ensure the Combined Authority, local authorities, and regional partners align with the Mayor’s priorities.
- Stakeholder Management: Leading, negotiating and influencing a wide range of stakeholders including those at a senior level, including building and growing partnerships with central Government Departments.
- Operational Delivery: ensure effective execution of Mayoral commitments, tracking progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Public Affairs & Policy Execution: engage with government officials, Ministers, regional politicians and public sector partners to advance policy ambitions, lobbying for regional interests and securing investment.
- Communication: work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the Mayor’s vision is well-articulated and that engagements, meetings, media appearances and events contribute meaningfully to the delivery of his agenda.
What’s essential.
- Evidence of operating at a senior strategic advisory level within government, public sector, or political environments.
- Evidence of successfully developing and implementing policy at a senior level.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile relationships with political leaders, business executives, and public bodies.
- Track record of motivating and leading teams, coordinating operations, and ensuring effective delivery of priorities.
- Experience in public affairs, lobbying, or advocacy, with knowledge of government decision-making processes.
- Political awareness and deep understanding of local, regional, and national government.
- High-level problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level.
- Understanding of the regional challenges, economic landscape, and policy priorities.
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with competing priorities.
- Degree in Politics, Public Policy, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Politically Restricted Post
This is a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 2(1) (b) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Employees in politically restricted posts are prevented in having any active political role either in or outside of work.
You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us include:
- Generous leave entitlement, starting at 28 days plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rota for part time staff)
- Flexible working practices including working from other locations and from home
- Local government pension scheme
- Commitment to staff development and continuous learning
To find out more about our organisation please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk
Contact and Apply
If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Rachel Antonelli: [email protected] for an informal conversation.
Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.
Key Dates:
Closing date: Sunday 26 July 2026
Interview date: 5, 6 or 7 August 2026
Key Documents:
Job Description
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.
