Getting involved in a political campaign provides a great opportunity to develop and refine a wide assortment of skills in an extremely fast-paced and flexible environment. In addition, campaign work offers a unique insight into the electoral process and the cares and concerns of elected officials and the American public. It can also be a springboard to government employment down the road. However, it is important to give serious consideration to whether this type of work is appropriate for one’s own career goals and personal fit.
Most political campaigns employ paid staffers to handle project and budget management, fundraising, volunteer organizing, and voter engagement programs. Generally, a campaign manager or general consultant handles the first set of duties; a finance director or call time manager manages the second set; and an organizer or volunteer coordinator oversees the third set together with a team of volunteers. In addition, some campaigns may hire an intern to assist with data analytics and other research functions.
While it is possible to find positions on political campaigns through online job postings, most people get their start in the field by being referred by someone they know. As a result, the best way to get involved in a political campaign is to attend a local event and approach the staff with a resume and willingness to be assigned work. The level of responsibility that new hires receive largely depends on the stage in their careers. Those early in their careers will typically be given more field or advance work responsibilities, while those with significant prior experience may be able to take on more policy or executive-side positions.