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Speechwriter

Requisition ID: (phone number removed)
Salary: £51,029 per annum
Grade: 8
Location: City Hall
Contract type: Permanent
Closing Date: Thursday 14 November 2024 at 23:59
Directorate: External Relations, Strategy & Communications

Strategy and Communications

Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities.
The work of the directorate’s teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross-organisational programmes, and making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.

About the role

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a speechwriter at City Hall.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Mayor’s strategic communications team and help to communicate effectively the priorities and objectives of the Mayor and the GLA.

In this role, you will develop and draft speeches, video scripts, editorials, forewords, and other written material.

Your focus will be on the most important topics affecting London, such as public transport, crime, homebuilding, homelessness and the climate crisis.

The role sits within the External Relations, Strategy & Communications Directorate, with strong day-to-day links with the Mayor’s Strategic Communications team, senior advisors and the Mayoral Director for Communications.

This role is based at City Hall, in the Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE)

This job is ‘politically restricted’ under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

What your day will look like

● Writing a speech for an upcoming visit or announcement
● Writing a video script to be recorded by our in-house video team
● Joining meetings at City Hall to discuss messaging and communications strategy, and to get briefed on your day-to-day priorities
● Providing constructive feedback on your colleagues’ work—particularly speeches, articles, video scripts and other written work

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

● Experience of speechwriting, formulating messaging or other written work for senior figures in the public or private sector
● A good understanding of speechwriting and the ability to write material for a range of audiences.
● Excellent written communications skills
● A track record of sound judgement and awareness of government and politics
● Ability to adapt to shifting priorities
● Collaborative and team-oriented

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

- Up to date CV
- Supporting statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria and competencies outlined in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Supporting statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘Additional Documents’ 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 - Supporting statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. “CV – applicant name - (phone number removed)

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit some written work. Those successful at the written assessment stage will be invited for an interview.

The interview/assessment date is: TBC

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.

Job description can be found below:

Principal accountabilities

1. Use a diverse range of writing styles to draft speeches, video message scripts, editorials, articles, forewords, and other written content for the GLA that is tailored for the audience.

2. Undertake research on a range of topics as needed to inform speeches and other written material.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of changing best practices for writing social media video scripts.

4. Develop knowledge of GLA policies and keep abreast of all key issues and messaging to advise on the suitability and consistency of content to be included in written material for the GLA to deliver or publish.

5. Assist in reviewing messaging from City Hall teams to ensure the policy position is clear, consistent and reflects the priorities of the Mayor. Help edit and advise on written material to be published to ensure it’s in line with Mayoral priorities, incorporates the latest messaging and employs the correct tone.

6. Manage resources allocated to the job in accordance with the GLA’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards.

7. 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.

8. Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunity and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.

9. This role is ‘politically restricted’ under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989