Simone Lawson
Political campaigns are complex operations requiring a large staff and a clear hierarchy. They are made up of volunteers and paid employees, with a range of roles and specialisms. The campaign manager, or director, is at the top of the hierarchy and is responsible for overseeing the campaign's strategy and implementation. Directly below the campaign manager is the deputy campaign manager, followed by department directors who coordinate specific aspects of the campaign, such as communications, fundraising, and field operations. Within these departments, there are various roles, including consultants, advisors, researchers, speechwriters, and schedulers. These individuals are responsible for formulating and executing strategies to ensure the campaign is a success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | Campaign Manager, Campaign Director, Campaign Professional, Campaign Staff, Political Campaign Worker, Political Consultant, General Consultant, Fundraising Consultant, Media Consultant, Field Organizer, Field Staff, Deputy Campaign Manager, Department Director, Executive Chairman, Policy Advisor, Pollster, Scheduler, Surrogate, Social Media Director, Speech Writer, Communications Coordinator, PR Manager, Communications Manager, Press Aide, Campaign Spokesperson, Researcher, Finance Director, Fundraising Coordinator, Volunteer |
| Description | Responsible for coordinating all elements of a politician's election plan. |
| Salary | $54,368 - $79,764 per year |
| Skills | Management, strategy, planning, fundraising, public relations, press relations, advertising, data analysis, statistical analysis, research, writing, legal knowledge, political knowledge, etc. |
| Work Hours | Full-time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
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Campaign managers
In small local campaigns, the campaign manager may be the only paid staff member, handling every aspect of the campaign that is not covered by the candidate or volunteers. They may also oversee advertising and messaging, working with the communications coordinator or PR manager to craft press releases, social media posts, speeches, and interviews that project a consistent and appealing character to the voters.
Campaign management is a highly public role, and those seeking to become campaign managers must be comfortable working with the media. Building a reputation as a campaign manager involves managing local campaigns or working in junior positions under experienced managers. Developing personal contacts in the field is vital, as managers with prestige tend to have core groups of favored aides whom they take with them from campaign to campaign.
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Volunteers
Volunteering is often an individual's first exposure to politics and can be a stepping stone to a career in political campaigning. Many professionals in the field started as volunteers for a particular candidate, drawn by their support for the candidate's platform, and went on to fall in love with the excitement of campaigns. Volunteering can provide valuable experience and the opportunity to build a resume for those seeking a career in politics. It can also be a way to acquire the credentials needed to work on major campaigns or to transition into a career in politics without prior experience or connections.
In the weeks leading up to elections, campaign volunteers often work full-time and experience intense deadline pressure as they plan and coordinate last-minute strategies. This period can be exciting for those who thrive under pressure, but it can also lead to burnout for others. Volunteers willing to work hard and show dedication can quickly move up within the campaign hierarchy, especially in re-election campaigns.
Overall, volunteers play a crucial role in political campaigns, and their contributions can have a significant impact on the campaign's success. Volunteering can also be a rewarding experience, providing individuals with an opportunity to engage in the political process, gain valuable skills, and potentially launch a career in politics.
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Fundraising consultants
Political campaigns are complex operations requiring a large team of volunteers and employees to formulate and implement strategies for success. One critical aspect of any campaign is fundraising, which ensures the campaign has the financial resources to operate effectively.
The primary role of a fundraising consultant is to advise the finance director on planning and strategy for fundraising. They build relationships with donor networks, host events, and introduce candidates to potential donors. They are also involved in organizing call programs, internet, and mail fundraising campaigns. Additionally, they may assist in creating and implementing the overall campaign strategy, working closely with the campaign manager and candidate.
In addition to their financial expertise, fundraising consultants also contribute to the campaign's strategy and execution. They may provide insights on polling and analytics, shaping the campaign's message and image to connect with the right audiences. This includes leveraging marketing and advertising techniques to carefully curate the candidate's public perception and influence how the politician sees the public.
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Media consultants
In addition to their strategic and analytical roles, media consultants may also be involved in fundraising activities. They advise the finance director on planning and strategy, helping to build relationships with donors and organize fundraising events. They may also provide training to candidates and their teams on best practices for digital campaigns, including social media strategies and email communications.
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Field staff
The field department is typically organized by geography, with a statewide field director overseeing regional field directors who, in turn, manage several local offices. Field staff, including field organizers, are responsible for direct voter contact through canvassing, phone calls, and building local events. They are the ones knocking on doors, conducting phone banks, and staging canvasses. They also assist in registering voters, delivering campaign literature, and providing information to supporters.
In addition to their direct voter contact, field staff also act as liaisons between the campaign and the local community. They build relationships with local influentials and keep the campaign informed about community concerns. This two-way communication ensures that the campaign's message and strategies are relevant and effective at the local level.
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Frequently asked questions
Entry-level roles in a political campaign include volunteers, interns, and field staff. Volunteers and interns are often found in positions of substantial responsibility in smaller, local campaigns. Field staff are the primary liaison between the campaign and local influentials such as interest group leaders and prominent community activists. They are also responsible for contacting voters through canvassing, phone calls, and building local events.
Mid-level roles in a political campaign include consultants, pollsters, and researchers. Consultants are usually former campaign managers with extensive knowledge and experience, and they may work across multiple campaigns simultaneously. Pollsters and researchers often work behind the scenes, conducting the campaign's focus groups and survey research, analyzing results, and interpreting their implications for campaign strategy and messaging.
Senior roles in a political campaign include campaign managers, department directors, and policy advisors. Campaign managers, also known as campaign directors, are responsible for coordinating all elements of a politician's election plan and assuring that efforts are being focused effectively. Directly below the campaign manager is the deputy campaign manager, and below them are department directors who coordinate specific aspects of the campaign. Policy advisors research, develop, and create the candidate's public policy agenda.
Specialist roles in a political campaign include press and public relations specialists, speechwriters, and social media directors. Press and public relations specialists are responsible for the campaign's message and image among the electorate. Speechwriters write speeches for the candidate and perhaps also for representatives of the campaign. Social media directors plan and execute strategies and tactics for reaching target audiences over social media platforms.
