Job Title: Capacity Builder for Melksham and Devizes

Responsible to: The designated Regional Campaigns Manager

Hours: Part Time (two days per week)

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 pro rata

Tenure: Fixed term for six months with the potential to extend

Location: Based in Chippenham (however being out in the constituency is paramount, access to a car will be necessary) Accommodation can be provided for the two days if required

Closing Date: 5pm on Saturday 14th December

Purpose of the job:

To build on the Melksham and Devizes Liberal Democrats' General Election success in electing Brian Mathew last July by developing the capacity, infrastructure, and organisation needed to secure victory in 16 target seats in the upcoming local elections and to strengthen the groundwork for retaining the parliamentary seat in future General Elections. 

This role involves engaging with volunteers, mobilising the community, and fostering a strong local presence in preparation for the May elections. A key part of this work will also include supporting fundraising efforts to ensure the resources necessary for campaign success, with a focus on energising members and supporters to contribute to the party's goals. The role will involve closely working with Brian Mathew MP, Melksham and Devizes first Liberal Democrat MP.

Ideal for someone passionate about community development, who thrives in engaging diverse groups, and who is motivated by the challenge of grassroots organisation and fundraising in a rural setting.

Job Description:

• To work with Campaign Team and Wiltshire Organiser to develop and deliver a campaign plan for Melksham and Devizes for 2025
• To focus on developing and improving the organisational capacity of M&D in order to achieve the campaign plan including organising volunteers and local party activists.
• Work with Liberal Democrat HQ, key activists, and local parties to develop an activist training programme that addresses identified weaknesses and delivers an overall increase in county-wide campaign skills.
• To work with Campaign Team and Officers for M&D to maintain contact with and engage members in the work of the party. Otherwise, to work up methods to engage with members to encourage and promote their active engagement in the M&D campaign.
• To liaise and develop effective communication; to disseminate information to councillors and campaigners; to assist wards with membership recruitment development, organisational, campaigning and literature support.
• Work with local teams to produce and deliver a programme of doorstep communication with voters for each local campaign.
• To oversee the organisation, printing and delivery of publicity material.
• To own the M&D digital campaign e.g. web site, social media, creating videos.
• To help with fundraising and assist with raising the overall income into the local party to ensure funding for the local party.
• To ensure regular contact between the local media and the MP/candidates/ councillors; to provide and circulate media releases and briefings on behalf of and with the approval of the local team.
• To advise the line manager, as appropriate, on organisational and maintenance priorities which may benefit the smooth running of the local party.
• To undertake such training as is recommended and provided through the party in order to develop and update required skills.
• To undertake such other duties as the line manager may require, to further effective communication, campaigning and organisation across the county.
• To liaise with staff and officers of the Western Counties regional party, the M&D Local Party and other Liberal Democrat organisations.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Well-organised and motivated
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to lead, mobilise and manage volunteers leading to conversion to engaged activists
• Able to work independently with limited supervision, self-motivation and able to manage your own workload.
• Successfully design and deliver community projects with members and community groups.
• Ability to maintain records and record information. Analyse data and produce monitoring reports to present M&D Executive.
• Can work in a rural community (accommodation can be provided if needed but access to own transport is essential)
• You do not need to be a member but must have an affiliation with Liberal Democrat principles and policies. 

Desirable:

• An understanding of both the political landscape and social make-up of the area.
• Any prior experience with campaigning or recruiting, managing and motivating volunteers.
• Prior experience with fundraising at any level
• Prior experience with any desktop publishing tools, notably Affinity Publisher.
• Ability to learn and work with our systems – e.g. Connect, Lighthouse (voter, volunteer and member databases) and Fleet (website management and bulk-email delivery).
• Ability to work with and understand how social media can play a part in political campaigning.
• Appreciation of GDPR, data protection and other laws and regulations relevant to political campaigning (Electoral Commission) and the work of MPs (IPSA).

Starting date: January 2025

How to apply:

Please read through the Full Job Description to learn more about the role before applying and take a few minutes to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Forms. Then proceed with your application.

● A full CV including contact information

● A covering letter setting out why you want the job and how your experience and skills are relevant to it. To be considered for this position, please submit your application to Billy Thompson at: billy.thompson@libdems.org.uk (Campaigns Manager Western Counties)

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date

Please note: 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 to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

Please let us have 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.

The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversion 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 that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.