Vacancy: chief executive

After six years at Localis, chief executive Alex Thomson is leaving for pastures new in the summer. This leaves a vacancy for the right candidate to take over the running of this highly regarded think tank, and to have a substantial voice in the devolution debate. The job description is as follows:

As Chief Executive you will have a unique opportunity to make the case for devolution of power away from Westminster to places and people within England, and to suggest what form this devolution could and should take. Working to the Chairman and Board, your key responsibilities will be to:

  • Set overall strategic and policy direction of Localis
  • Deliver consistently high quality publications and events
  • Ensure the organisation remains in robust financial health, including achieving key business targets
  • Recruit, manage, lead and develop staff
  • Retain Localis’s influential position in national policy debates
  • Oversee and manage relationships with sponsors and partners
  • Proactively investigate and pursue new fundraising opportunities
  • Maximise the profile of our work by engaging with, and building networks with, a wide range of opinion formers, journalists and political and executive stakeholders across national and local government
  • Be the public face of Localis – appear on TV, radio and in press, speak at public events
  • Scope, supervise and edit research reports
  • Oversee organisation of Localis events, including securing top speakers
  • Manage all external communications

Candidate specification – essential requirements:

  • A self-starter, with first rate interpersonal skills
  • Experience and understanding of public policy development, in particular relating to local government and devolution
  • Political nous and insight
  • Excellent written communication skills, in both short (articles) and long form (major research reports)
  • Strong verbal communication skills, including an ability to articulate a clear understanding of the big issues around devolution and local public services
  • An understanding of how think tanks work

The ideal candidate for this role will also have:

  • A track record of fund raising for research projects
  • Experience of financial management of an organisation or business unit
  • A history of successful project management
  • Media know-how, including how to effectively engage with the broadcast media and the national, local and/or trade press

The closing date for applications is the 22nd May 2016. To find out more about how to apply please visit the advert on W4MP Jobs.