Make Change Happen Where It Matters Most!

At Hackney Council, we don’t just talk about change — we make it happen. We are home to one of London’s most diverse and dynamic communities, and we are committed to ensuring that every resident can thrive, regardless of background or circumstance. We are now seeking a visionary, strategic leader to become our next Assistant Director for Strategy, Equality, and Community Partnerships, a role at the very heart of shaping a fairer, more inclusive Hackney.

This is a rare opportunity to help define the direction of our borough, translating political priorities into organisational delivery, embedding equality into everything we do, and building powerful, lasting partnerships with our communities and voluntary sector. Working alongside the Mayor, Cabinet, Chief Executive, and Corporate Leadership Team, you will help put residents’ voices at the centre of decision-making and ensure our strategic ambitions become reality.

You will bring proven experience of leading in complex, political environments and an impressive track record of delivering meaningful change through strategy, co-production, and collaboration. With a deep knowledge of equalities and a strong understanding of the Public Sector Equality Duty, you will drive an agenda that promotes fairness, tackles discrimination, and reflects the values of our borough. As a leader, you will inspire others, champion inclusion, and build a culture that empowers staff to be innovative, ambitious, and community-focused.

Hackney is proud to be different. We offer flexible, hybrid working, a generous leave package, and a supportive, forward-thinking environment where your work will make a real difference. If you’re passionate about public service and ready to lead with purpose, we want to hear from you.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency-based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge, and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are considering using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 24 August 2025 (22:59)

Interview and assessment dates: 18 and 19 September 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included, and involved. To achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognize that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.