Civic Office Manager
London Borough of Islington
About The Role
Are you passionate about delivering high-profile events and supporting civic leadership at the heart of a vibrant London borough? We’re looking for a Civic Office Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, high-profile environment and is ready to play a key role in shaping how the Council presents itself to residents, partners and dignitaries.
In this pivotal role, you’ll take the lead in coordinating and delivering the Council’s civic and ceremonial programme. From managing the Mayor’s busy schedule to orchestrating major public events, you’ll ensure everything runs seamlessly while upholding the highest standards of civic protocol and professionalism. You’ll also play a key advisory role, supporting senior elected members and acting as the Council’s expert on civic affairs.
In this role, you will:
- Oversee the delivery of civic, ceremonial and Mayoral functions, ensuring all events are well-planned and professionally executed
- Manage the Mayor’s diary, ensuring engagements are aligned with priorities and appropriately supported
- Coordinate major civic events, working closely with internal teams and external partners
- Provide expert advice on protocol, governance and ceremonial practice
- Build and maintain relationships with key civic stakeholders, community groups and partner organisations
- Support the Mayor’s charitable programme, including fundraising activity and partnerships
- Monitor financial processes relating to civic activity, ensuring compliance and robust governance
- Lead and develop a small team, driving high standards and continuous improvement
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Strong experience delivering high-profile events within a public sector or similarly complex organisation
- Proven ability to support senior stakeholders in a politically sensitive or high-visibility setting
- A good understanding of civic protocol or the ability to quickly gain expertise
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
- Strong communication skills, with a professional and diplomatic approach
- Experience managing relationships with external partners and stakeholders
- Confidence handling sensitive information with sound judgement and discretion
- Experience managing budgets or financial processes in a compliant and accountable way
- Experience leading or developing staff within a demanding service environment
You’ll join the Leader’s Office and Member Support team, part of the wider Law and Governance service. This is a collaborative and dedicated team that plays a key role in supporting democratic leadership and ensuring the smooth running of civic life in the borough. Reporting to the Head of Leader’s Office and Member Support, you’ll work closely with elected members, senior officers and a wide range of external partners to deliver a service that reflects the borough’s diversity, values and ambition.
If you're ready to bring your passion and expertise to a dynamic team, apply today! Take the lead in shaping the future of our civic programme with us.
Note to Recruitment Agencies:
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
