Localis is an independent think tank, established in 2001, dedicated to promoting localism and devolution, and developing ideas for how local public services can cope with the range of challenges – financial, demographic, organisational – that they face.

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