OVERVIEW OF ROLE
You will be accountable for the day-to-day implementation of TfL’s public affairs strategy working with senior managers to develop and manage successful relationships with Government, Parliament, the London Assembly, other cities, think-tanks, EU institutions and international bodies.
You will provide a wide range of outputs which could range from drafting responses to correspondence from elected members, completing casework, coordination of TfL responses to scrutiny, preparing written briefings for senior managers through to joining up the different parts of the organisation.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Collaborating effectively across the Public Affairs & External Relations teams, Customers, Communication & Technology (CCT) and wider TfL to ensure joined-up communication and effective achievement of TfL and Mayoral goals;
- Supporting senior managers to ensure the effective preparation of chief officers to build successful relationships and attend meetings with political and other partners while delivering a consistent message;
- Representing TfL effectively with assigned stakeholder audiences, resolving issues successfully and addressing any concerns raised. Provides prompt escalation to drive expeditious resolutions; monitor and support preparation for scrutiny including Mayor’s Questions, committees, casework and correspondence;
- Ensuring TfL colleagues are well-informed about the policy and political environment by effectively monitoring and analysing developments and communicating them in a timely way;
- Securing a conducive funding, policy and legislative environment for TfL by working with and supporting senior managers to design and implement campaigns.
SKILLS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject, or with relevant professional experience;
- Deep understanding of the political environment in which TfL operates, internationally, nationally and regionally, including relationships with Government, Parliament and the London Assembly as appropriate;
- Understanding of the relationship between the Mayor's priorities and TfL’s business strategy and public affairs strategy;
- Able to produce clear and concise research on complex issues often to tight deadlines, including drafting position papers, briefings and correspondence;
- Confidence to play a full and active part in internal meetings up to senior management level (including briefing the Executive Committee) and externally;
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing on complex issues, to edit and improve the written work of others;
- Proven ability to build strong collaborative working relationships with senior colleagues and external stakeholders;
- Politically astute, with a sound awareness of the key policy issues affecting transport decisions in London;
- Experience of working in a mainstream public affairs environment, working with a number of stakeholder audiences, including elected politicians and government officials;
- Experience of engaging with external audiences and political institutions, and also of encouraging third-party advocacy and mitigating criticism;
- Experience of working in a political environment, specifically within the transport sector would be an advantage.
BENEFITS
In return for your dedication and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area and role, but may include:
- Final salary pension scheme;
- Free travel for you on the TfL network;
- A 75% discount on National Rail Season Ticket and interest free loan;
- 30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays;
- Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional);
- Tax-efficient childcare payments;
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme;
- Retail, health, leisure and travel offers;
- Discounted Eurostar travel.