Town Clerk & Financial Officer; RFO

Overview

Rye is a small, historic market town – on the East Sussex-Kent coastal border – with a population of around 4,500. It is a popular visitor destination – with a strong sense of community – and is one of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports’ two Antient Towns.

The Council needs a Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) who can manage its statutory responsibilities, lead the staff team, maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local organisations – and steer the Council through local government re-organisation, as it prepares to take over assets from Rother District Council.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who can demonstrate both management skills and the ability to think strategically.

The successful candidate will hold – or will be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).

• Manage statutory responsibilities
• Lead the staff team
• Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local organisations
• Steer the Council through local government re-organisation as it prepares to take over assets from Rother District Council

• Excellent communicator with a ‘can do’ attitude; able to demonstrate management skills and the ability to think strategically
• Hold – or be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)

Salary: £46,000 - £54,000 – depending on experience and qualifications

Starting salary: £46,000 – £54,000 – depending on experience and qualifications

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week – with flexibility)

Closing date: Sunday 8 February 2026, midnight