The Creative Campaigner position represents a rare opportunity to work both within and beyond Parliament to build power for greater democracy and a just transition to a post-carbon, wellbeing-based economy. The CC will spend 3 days a week working on climate campaigns for Clive Lewis MP and 2 days on climate and democracy campaigns at Compass. This role was born from the recognition that the gap between parliamentary and civil society campaigns hampers our movement and weakens the alliances we need to build long-term power.
We are looking for someone who is passionate, committed and keen to learn and is comfortable working in a small and lively team that spans Compass and Clive’s office. This role involves:
- Planning and delivering campaigns on climate justice, building the movement for a just transition and a Green New Deal for Clive Lewis MP
- Boosting Compass’ Win As One campaign, with a particular focus on creative digital communications, social media and crafting powerful stories about democratic cooperation
- Engaging and growing our supporter base to maximise our impact through email messaging, graphics and social
- Connecting parliamentary activity with grassroots campaigning, making the links between communicable activities and work on the ground
Skills and Competencies
- Flexible and able to multitask: able to work in a fast-paced political environment, to prioritise effectively and handle a range of competing responsibilities.
- Creative and enterprising: able to construct campaigns that energise and persuade.
- Communicative and empathetic: comfortable engaging with people from different backgrounds and from different parts of the political spectrum.
- Committed and focused: able to sustain energy on campaigns over a long period.
- Able to take the initiative: happy to self-organise, work independently and efficiently.
- Collaborative: able to work in a team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, online and in person.
- Strong attention to detail: patient with the small things, getting the copy of an email just right or handling supporter data with diligence and care.
- Willingness to learn: the capacity to be open-minded, flexible and eager to gain new skills. Passionate about political change and willing to work for it.
Experience, qualifications and knowledge
- At least 2 years experience in the political campaigning sector: whether in a not-for-profit, trade union, political party, charity, NGO or grassroots organisation.
- Digital campaign communications: you may have written copy for a petition, designed social media graphics to raise the profile of a campaign or mapped out an email journey to turn people out to an event.
- Experience working on campaigns or projects with tight deadlines: you can manage your own time and keep to realistic work schedules.
- A grasp of the mechanisms of a campaign and good knowledge of the digital tools for the job, such as email tools, graphics programmes and social media. Knowledge of HTML is a plus.
- Experience of supporting people to take action through effective communications and helping build the capacity of a supporter community.
- An understanding of the UK progressive political scene and support for the aims, values and vision of Clive Lewis MP and Compass.
What this role might look like on the day to day:
- Writing copy for an email journey reporting on the progress of the Green New Deal bill through Parliament.
- Creating punchy messaging for a textbank to turn out Compass supporters to an event.
- Selecting images for social or campaigns material that encapsulate our campaigns.
- Analysing data from the last email campaign to figure out what worked and what didn’t.
- Meeting with our partners in the climate sector to plan strategic comms for a parliamentary debate.
- Constructing a comms plan to keep our newest supporters engaged and excited.
About Compass
Compass is a highly ambitious organisation, working to change the way we do politics. With a strong track record of bold and innovative campaigns and a wide network of members, associates and partners, Compass is rapidly expanding its political influence and reach. Compass has become best known for the campaign to Win As One– an agreement that progressives will work together on key issues that unite them – principally climate, equality, democracy – and co-operate to replace the current government with a progressive majority.
About Clive Lewis MP
Clive Lewis is the Member of Parliament for Norwich South. A leading champion of the Green New Deal, Clive is the co-sponsor of the Green New Deal Bill and Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Green New Deal. Clive’s political priorities centre on climate action, democratic renewal, and racial justice.
About the role
This post was created to ramp up activities around both faster and deeper action on the climate crisis and building our cross-party power ahead of the upcoming General Election. The successful applicant will be creative and imaginative, with a keen campaigning instinct, able to handle a fast-paced political environment.
Compass is a membership organisation, so the CC will need to be comfortable engaging and supporting our members as they run lively campaigns in their local areas.
The role is suitable for someone who wants to work hard to develop new skills and is able to learn on the job. You will work closely with Compass’ Deputy Director who will offer managerial support and work to help you develop and deepen your skills over time.
You will also work closely with Clive’s team, working with his current team to deliver high impact campaigns in parliament and Norwich.
Pay will be £30 to 32k depending on experience.
The position is London based, with room for flexible working in terms of hours and location. The role will spend most of their time working at Compass’ office near Vauxhall, with occasional work from Clive’s office in Parliament.
The contract is initially for one year, including a 3 month probation period, with the possibility of extension. We’re looking for someone to start as soon as possible.
Upon appointment you will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO).
Compass is committed to providing equal opportunities to people regardless of background and we actively seek applications from people with backgrounds that are underrepresented in our sector. We recognise that representation in our sector is not good enough; this makes our politics and our campaigns weaker. We particularly encourages applications from people who are willing to learn new skills and grow into the role over time. Past experience working in politics is not required: we encourage people to apply who can demonstrate their aptitude, even if a career in politics has so far been closed off to them.
To apply, please provide a CV and answer the two questions under the ‘Application’ tab.
Deadline for applications will be 9am on Tuesday 21st November. We may offer phone interviews ahead of the closing date. In-person interviews will take place w/b 27th November and w/b 4th December. If you have any problems meeting these deadlines/dates, or have questions about the role, you can contact Frances on frances@compassonline.org.uk.