Strategic Partnerships Manager

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This is an opportunity to shape how Dorset Council works with partners across government, the voluntary and community sector, and Town and Parish Councils.

You’ll help drive a more joined‑up, community‑focused approach to delivering services, directly supporting our Communities for All priority within the Dorset Council Plan 2024‑29. You’ll work at the heart of national conversations on devolution and community empowerment, representing Dorset locally, regionally, and nationally.

You’ll also join a supportive team committed to our organisational values of Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness and Curiosity.

You’ll lead the development and coordination of high‑impact strategic partnerships that bring organisations together to improve outcomes for Dorset’s communities. A key part of the role involves working with partners to establish and test new approaches to neighbourhood governance, ensuring decision‑making and service delivery are better aligned with what communities need.

You’ll represent Dorset within regional and national networks, influence policy, shape external agendas, and support efforts to secure funding that benefits local people. The role also includes providing expert advice to senior leaders, championing collaborative working, and taking a system‑wide approach to tackling complex challenges. The job description outlines further responsibilities, including partnership development, lobbying, strategy coordination and matrix leadership of policy colleagues.

• You bring proven experience of partnership working and strategy development in complex public sector environments, ideally with exposure to national and local political contexts.
• You have a confident, strategic approach and can translate policy direction into practical action.
• You are skilled at building relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing across organisations.
• You communicate clearly, think proactively and work collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes.
• You are comfortable taking a systems‑led approach to problem‑solving, working across boundaries to improve outcomes for communities.

For an informal conversation please contact Nell Stonham, Delivery Lead – Communities. Email: [email protected],

Contract length is 18 months.

Can be hybrid, but expected to be in an office minimum 2 days per week.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders.

This post requires you to have access to sensitive information. It will be subject to a Basic Criminal Records Check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders.

At Dorset Council, it’s not just about the work we do, it’s about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

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At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.