Test Valley Borough Liberal Democrats Vacancy for a Campaign Manager

Test Valley Borough Liberal Democrats Vacancy for a Campaign Manager
Job Title Test Valley Borough Liberal Democrats Campaign Manager

Purpose of job
This is a new post for someone to work with our Campaign Strategy Group and the Local Party executive. We are seeking an experienced campaigner who can work with members, candidates, and volunteers with the aim of winning local and national elections.

Salary £20,000 - £26,000 (f/t equiv) depending on experience.
Hours Period

Location
Applications are invited in writing by Friday 25 September 2020 (see below) Contract of employment This will be drawn up following the selection process. Background
Test Valley Borough Liberal Democrats LP is the lead local party for the Romsey and Southampton North Constituency, which includes two wards within the jurisdiction of Southampton LP with whom we have a good working relationship.

In the 2019 general election we raised the Lib Dem vote from 21.3 to 33.1%. R&SN is Conserv- ative facing with Labour third. We are aiming for R&SN to be a target seat in the next general election subject to HQ's new criteria being favourable. It is just possible that the constituency boundary could change slightly.

TVBLD is also the junior local party for the North West Hampshire (NWH) constituency where we increased the Lib Dem vote in 2019 from 9.7 to 17.5% . This is another Conservative facing seat with Labour now in third place.

We are aiming to have NWH recognised as a significant development seat and in order to achieve that, and future success TVB LP will need to be involved in campaigning. Andover & District Branch, the northern part of our area, has over 50% pf the electorate of NHW con- stituency, and about half of the electorate of the TVBC area. The remainder of the NWH con- stituency lies within Basingstoke & Deane LP with which we also have a good relationship.

For all other purposes our area is that of Test Valley Borough Council.
Initially part-time 3 days (24 hours per week). Could be f/t in the future.
Initially one year but ideally extending to the next General Election. 6-month probationary period
Likely to be Romsey, Hampshire, but working throughout the TVB area.

We currently have twelve Borough councillors, two County councillors and thirty three town/ parish council seats, with control of Romsey Town Council, Romsey Extra Parish Council and Valley Park Parish Council
We are aiming to retain all of these seats and win more in the future at all levels.
In 2021 there will be Hampshire County Council elections in May, as well as TVBC by-elections and some town/parish council by-elections, particularly in the Andover area.

The next normal Borough and Parish elections are in 2023 with the next General Election like- ly to be in 2024.

The Campaign Strategy Group has been formed to advise on election strategy for all these elections. We are now seeking a proactive Campaign Manager to implement the agreed plans of the Local Party and build our current capabilities across the whole Test Valley Borough area for local elections and both constituencies.

The Campaign Manager's main responsibilities
• To deliver campaign plans on time and on budget.
• To develop and build the organisation and infrastructure of the local party and raise the ca- pability to a higher and more sustainable level. Help R&SN towards achieving target seat status. Help NWH achieve second tier status.

• To help & build teams that are able to undertake all the work required for the various elec- tions and campaigns: literature, data, canvassing, deliveries etc.
• In conjunction with the local party Treasurer to deliver a fundraising programme to cover all expenses.
• Work with the LP Data Officer to ensure that data in Connect is up to date. Help develop train and maintain teams of volunteers to support candidates and campaigns.
• Help to deliver improved media output.
• Report progress and finances regularly to the line manager and executive.
Person specification Essential
• A self-starter with proven ability to coordinate, energise and motivate activists, candidates and volunteers to achieve shared goals Must be a member of the Liberal Democrats at the time of the appointment and for the duration of employment
• Good verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work as part of a team and organise own work.
• Flexible hours and prepared to work evenings and weekends, especially at election times.
• Have a full driving licence and own transport
• Politically savvy: while the opposition is usually Tory, it could be Labour or other groups in some wards.

Desirable
• A knowledge of Lib Dem campaigning at all election levels
• Be well versed in IT, social media, literature production but will not necessarily be expected
to undertake these.
• Experience or knowledge of the work of the agent desirable(not essential).
• A knowledge of the law as it applies to campaigns and elections desirable (not essential).
The campaign manager will work to targets set by the line manager and undertake other rea- sonable duties as required. Training will be offered where it is necessary.

Applications should be in writing, emailed to Janet Cairney, TVBLDs Secretary at janet_cairney@hotmail.com

Please include a CV, and in about 300 words explain why you wish to apply for this vacancy.
Please include the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your most recent employer.

We may contact your referees before interviews unless you request otherwise.
If you have any questions please email in the first instance to janet_cairney@hotmail.com The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 25 September 2020