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- Tasks: Support the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in strategic decision-making and team management.
- Company: Join a dynamic political party aiming for greater success and impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of political strategy and make a real difference in public life.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in politics or public affairs with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Help Ed Davey build on the Liberal Democrats’ historic success and take them to even greater heights. After leading the Liberal Democrats to their best ever general election result, Ed Davey is recruiting a new Chief of Staff to support him as he leads the biggest parliamentary team the party has ever had – and prepares for even more success in the years to come.
The Chief of Staff is the Leader’s principal strategic adviser and senior aide, responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the Leader’s Office and supporting the Leader in delivering the Party’s political, parliamentary, electoral and organisational objectives. This is a pivotal leadership role requiring political judgement, discretion, strategic oversight and the ability to operate at pace in a complex and high-profile environment.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the Leader’s primary strategic adviser, helping to shape and deliver political priorities
- Oversee the development and execution of short, medium and long-term strategy
- Ensure alignment between the Leader’s Office, the Parliamentary Parties, Party HQ and the State and Regional Parties
- Anticipate political risks and opportunities, providing clear and timely advice
- Management of the Leader’s Office
- Lead and manage the Leader’s Office team, setting priorities and ensuring high performance
- Oversee workflow, decision-making processes and internal communications
- Ensure effective briefing systems are in place to support the Leader’s parliamentary, media and public engagements
- Maintain rigorous standards of professionalism, confidentiality and discipline
- Political and Parliamentary Coordination
- Act as a key liaison with Liberal Democrat MPs, Peers, candidates and state and regional leaders
- Work closely with the Chief Whip’s office and frontbench team to coordinate parliamentary activity
- Support the Leader in maintaining strong internal relationships across the Party
- External Relations and Stakeholder Management
- Support the Leader’s engagement with external stakeholders, including donors, journalists, business leaders, influencers and civil society organisations
- Help shape key political messaging in collaboration with the CEO and communications team
- Represent the Leader in senior meetings as required
- Governance and Party Integration
- Ensure appropriate coordination between the Leader’s Office, Party HQ and other party bodies
- Uphold the Party’s constitution, values and governance processes
- Provide oversight of politically sensitive matters requiring careful handling
- Significant senior-level experience in politics, public affairs, government, or a comparable high-pressure leadership environment
- Exceptional political judgement, strategic thinking and ability to navigate high levels of risk
- Strong management and organisational leadership skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Absolute discretion and integrity
- Deep understanding of the Liberal Democrats’ values, structures and political positioning
- Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships
- Issues management experience
- Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions quickly
- Highly organised and detail-oriented while maintaining strategic oversight
- Collaborative, emotionally intelligent and politically astute
- Resilient, adaptable and self-motivated
- Committed to the values of liberalism, fairness and integrity in public life
The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats and works closely with the Senior Frontbench Spokesperson team; Chief Whip; Chief Executive Director of Campaigns; Director of Communications and senior stakeholders across the party.
TermsThis is a senior political appointment. Competitive salary. The role requires flexibility, including evening and weekend work, and occasional travel across the UK.
How to ApplyPlease submit the following by email via the button below. We will review applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint before the closing date. We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage. We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf. Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed at any point in the recruitment process. Please provide details of your current salary and two referees, including one from your current employer. If you would prefer us not to contact them until a later stage of the selection process, please let us know. We may not notify unsuccessful applicants at the shortlisting stage.
The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion within our workforce. We want our employees to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and to feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who we are.
A CV (maximum 2 pages) A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification.
Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats employer: Liberal Democrats
Contact Detail:
Liberal Democrats Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the political sphere. Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former staffers. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the Liberal Democrats’ recent successes and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their strategic goals. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a potential game-changer.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to articulate your vision for the role clearly and confidently. Think about how you can support Ed Davey’s leadership and the party’s objectives. A strong personal narrative can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the Liberal Democrats’ mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for the role and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in politics and leadership. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your strategic thinking and management skills, as these are crucial for the Chief of Staff role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Remember, you have a maximum of 2 pages for your CV, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Liberal Democrats
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Liberal Democrats' values, recent successes, and current political landscape. Familiarise yourself with Ed Davey's leadership style and key policies. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and leading strategic initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex political environments and made sound decisions under pressure. This role requires strong management skills, so make sure to illustrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Be Politically Astute
Demonstrate your political judgement by discussing potential risks and opportunities facing the party. Think about how you would advise the Leader on these matters. Showing that you can anticipate challenges and provide clear, timely advice will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including MPs, donors, and media. Be prepared to discuss how you would support the Leader's engagement with these groups. This role involves significant external relations, so showcasing your communication skills is key.