Political Officer

• Locations

  London, WC2E 9JD

• Salary

  £45,117.20

Job Title:               Political Officer

Department:        Politics Department

Reports to:           Head of Politics

Location:               London Office

Job Details:

Reporting to the Head of Politics and working within the Politics Department, the Political Officer will deliver support to all levels of the union on political matters. The role will involve shaping and supporting the delivery of Community’s political strategy to advance the industrial and organisational aims of the union. It is desirable, though not essential, that the Political Officer be educated to a degree level (or equivalent) and can effectively work remotely and travel.

Person Specification:

• Track record of influencing, engaging and working with various stakeholders at a national level on campaigns to achieve objectives.
• Acute political understanding and judgment
• Good understanding and knowledge of government, parliamentary and Labour Party structures, procedure and protocols.
• The ability to work well within a team and drive to work independently.
• Ability to be innovative, adaptable and creative with attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage workload and work flexibly to meet departmental and organisational needs and within timescales.
• Excellent research skills and working knowledge of information sources with attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and verbal skills, particularly the ability to write clearly for a range of audiences.
• Experience using of Microsoft Office suite digital campaign platforms, CRM systems, and social media platforms

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage Community’s Parliamentary Group and develop the union’s relationship with politicians across the political spectrum, including within devolved and local Government.
• Work with the Head of Politics to develop Community’s Political Strategy.
• Develop plans to increase the union’s influence within Government Labour Party policy and manage relationships with the devolved administrations, Labour affiliates, Labour Unions, civil servants and civil society groups.
• Draft written communications such as briefings, written parliamentary questions, government consultations, parliamentary inquiry responses, and political analysis.
• Monitor the political environment, including relevant parliamentary debates and questions, and maintain updates with important developments for the union, as well as opportunities for influencing.
• Maintain, develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders.
• Organise and coordinate Community’s activities at Labour Party Annual Conference and at other relevant political conferences.
• Support campaigning opportunities in elections of all levels.
• Build, develop and coordinate political activity through our Labour Campaign Network branches
• Assist with the management of Community’s political fund.
• Work with the Policy and Communications team to produce political communication, tailored to the needs of different campaigns and aims of the union and on political outputs from policy and research projects.
• Engage with regional and industrial teams to build political priorities for engagement with politicians and civil servants.
• Proactively explore and develop new ways to engage with Constituency Labour Parties to get more Community members involved politically and coordinate Community’s affiliation process with CLPs across the country.
• Support senior officers by advising on political activity and political decisions.
• Write on behalf of the General Secretary and other senior staff, for a variety of audiences.
• Represent Community at various external events, forums and meetings.
• Other tasks as directed.

Special Attributes

 By arrangement of the General Secretary & Assistant General Secretary, the Political Officer roles encompasses research & policy work for the union’s Steel & Metal Sector.

Personal Qualities & Understanding

• Understanding of GDPR compliance and confidentiality policies
• Understanding and passion of good trade union principles, beliefs & ethos
• Strong awareness & commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity
• A commitment to Community Vision & Mission Charter