Strategic Development Assistant

Job Posted: 18 August 2025

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Grade 8, £29,884 to £32,654 per annum
• Industries: Administration General Office Public Sector

37 hours per week

Do you want to make the difference to the lives of children and young people across the Isle of Wight?

Do you want to have a once in a career opportunity to support Strategic Development service within the new Children’s Services Directorate at the Isle of Wight Council?

Do you like a challenge? If so, come and join us on the Isle of Wight, as we transform education on the Island.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Strategic Development Assistant to support the delivery of the Children’s Services Capital Programme on the Isle of Wight. This role plays a key part in ensuring the effective planning and management of school places and capital investment in education infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with financial monitoring and reporting for the Children’s Services Capital Programme.
• Support procurement and contract management processes, including performance tracking of contractors.
• Carry out site inspections and audits to ensure compliance and quality standards.
• Lead communication and engagement with stakeholders, including elected members, Town and Parish Councils.
• Provide business support to ensure school place sufficiency aligns with local demand and that school buildings are used efficiently.
• Work collaboratively with the Capital Programme Project Manager to support strategic planning and delivery of local and national initiatives.

This is a varied and impactful role that requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build constructive working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.

In line with the Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Any information provided on CVs will not be considered for short-listing purposes.

You may be required to attend meetings outside of standard office hours.

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Emma Goldring at [email protected]

Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

Find out more about working for the Isle of Wight Council and living on the Island.

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.

The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;

unacceptable behaviour policy

employee code of conduct

our values, culture and inclusivity

The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.

The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.

This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email [email protected]  Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.

We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.