Political Communications Officer - Chairman

We are looking to hire for this vital role that sits within the Press Office but reports to the Chairman and the Executive Office, you will support the Chairman and the Press Office in promoting and protecting the Party’s public image by helping to deliver a clear, consistent, and compelling Conservative message to the electorate.

Role responsibilities

Area of responsibility

·     Lead on developing and delivering a proactive communications plan (including social media communications grid) to promote the work of the Chairman and the Party

·     Draft and record engaging and accurate social media content for the Chairman across multiple social media platforms

·     Monitoring of social media effectiveness and propose areas for improvement

·     Assess political social media effectiveness of other Party representatives and suggest improvements (best practice)

·     Draft proactive press releases, comment pieces, response quotes, and other content for the Chairman and other Party representatives as required

·     Develop strong knowledge of the political and media landscape

·     Support the Chairman with their events and visits including accompanying for media interviews

·     Assist the Chairman and Executive team with drafting remarks such as speeches

·     Build strong relationships with the Conservative Research Department, Digital and Campaigns teams

·     Liaise with and supporting press officers on wider day-to-day activity

Other

·     Assisting with other Press Office and Executive Office tasks as required by the needs of the teams and the Party.

·     Provide holiday cover for other members of the Press Office team in accordance with the holiday cover schedule

·     Undertake weekend working for the Press Office as part of a rota and work out of normal hours as required

·     Establish and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders across the media landscape

·     Keep any professional qualifications up to date

Professional experience and qualifications

·     Excellent political judgement.

·     Strong communication and writing skills.

·     The ability to work unsociable hours, under pressure to tight deadlines 

·     A commitment to the Conservative Party and to supporting the programme of Renewal.

·     The ideal candidate will have some experience of working in a political environment and experience of working with the press.

Skills required

·     Good digital skills, including video and graphics production, as well as social media management

·     Excellent relationship building and influencing skills with the ability to tailor message and style appropriately

·     Creative, with a strong ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to problems and opportunities in a fast-paced environment

·     Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·     Able to organise and prioritise a demanding workload personally

·     A personal commitment to the values of the Conservative Party