Description Hours: 37 hours Contract: Permanent Salary: £44,428 - £47,420 (pending pay award) Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office) The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire. Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for. Applications must include a cover letter to outline your interest and suitability for the role. Key Responsibilities As a Senior Political Advisor, you will provide the Mayor with well-researched political advice and ensure the Mayor is fully briefed and advised on key priorities. You will build and maintain effective, positive political relationships, developing a clear insight into the priorities of local and national politicians. You’ll work effectively as part of the Mayor’s team and intervene and interact across the organisation, posing challenging questions on the Mayor’s behalf, explaining the Mayor’s point of view and protecting the Mayor’s position. You will write speeches including adding to material prepared by MCA Executive or constituent local authority officers. Working closely with senior officers, you will represent and interpret the views of the Mayor and lead the collation, development and presentation of information for any negotiations with government on Levelling Up policy and delivery. Please note that this is a politically restricted post. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise You will have a track record of working in a political environment, working with MPs and/or Councillors and Mayors of different political parties in a local and national context. Experience in research, analysis of policies and their applicability to a local area. A proven record of establishing successful working relationships, both internal and with partners to achieve results in an economic growth context. Proven experience of report writing and delivering presentations. Understanding of and sensitivity to working successfully within a political context and governance framework. Understanding of national and local political positions and perspectives. High degree of political awareness and skill in political negotiation. Strong organisation, planning, and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, being self-motivated and able to use initiative to complete tasks. Benefits All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us with our recognised family-friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success. Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave. Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with some support roles being onsite full time. Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more. Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications. Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part-time colleagues. Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all individuals. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.