Head of External & Political Affairs
Think we can be doing politics better? Want to help shape
the future of Britain and make sure it is more co-operative?
Head of External & Political Affairs, The Co-operative Party
The Co-operative Party is looking to recruit talented and dynamic people to join our small
staff team in a variety of new roles, including the key leadership position of Head of External
& Political Affairs. Reports to: General Secretary
Manages: Political & Parliamentary Officer, Digital & Communications Officer, Policy Officer and the
proposed post of Candidate Development Officer
Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 depending on experience
Benefits: Excellent pension and 25 days annual leave, in addition to Bank Holidays
Location: London
Website: www.party.coop
The Co-operative Party
The Co-operative Party is the political wing of the co-operative movement. We work to promote cooperatives and all forms of mutual organisation. Established in 1917, the Co-operative Party signed
its first electoral agreement with the Labour Party in 1927. That means we stand candidates jointly
with the Labour Party at all levels of government. There are currently 32 Labour and Co-operative
MPs in the House of Commons, 17 Members of the House of Lords, 5 Members of the Scottish
Parliament, 9 Members of the Welsh Assembly and hundreds of councillors around the country. We
have nearly 9000 members, 37 party councils and over 100 branches running campaigns and
meetings across the country.
The purpose
To lead and inspire a team to make a step change happen in how the Co-operative Party is perceived
and the impact we have in terms of co-operative policies, vision and goals and in turn change the
way politics is done in Britain.
The role
We are seeking a skilled manager for the new leadership role of Head of External & Political Affairs.
You will lead and manage three members of staff to build a highly motivated and effective team
also. You will also devise a three year strategy and plan to deliver our political goals and policy
objectives. To do this we need a clear narrative and a powerful brand for the Co-operative Party and
a high-impact engagement and communications plan. Your plan will include: campaign
development and prioritisation, digital, public affairs activities, building the alliances and coalitions
needed to deliver our objectives and goals. You will also oversee a 4th member of the team whose
role includes candidate training and selection.
You will be delivering:
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A coherent and comprehensive external and political affairs strategy developed with your
team – using all their skills and the resources available to deliver our objectives
An innovative and integrated communications strategy – including brand, narrative,
message, audience and using of the full range of internal and external channels and media
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A new approach to our campaigning through leading the selection, prioritisation and
coordinate team members to own and deliver an annual cycle of campaigns and advocacy as
well as more reactive campaigning, working with local parties to ensure take up, buy-in and
awareness
You will oversee and manage your team to:
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Develop an excellent public policy offer, including ensuring engagement from our members,
the co-operative and labour movements, and other stakeholders
The adoption of co-operative policy by the Labour Party both in the manifesto process as
well as directly with policy teams, parliamentarians and advisers
Build advocacy coalitions required to support our policy goals and objectives
Deliver the legislative affairs activities to deliver our policy and goals agendas. Including
supporting the Parliamentary Groups, directly with MPs, MSPs and Assembly Members
The range of our communications outputs
Coordinate and support individual team members to manage specific campaigns
Candidate search and training, including managing the National Parliamentary Panel and ongoing development needs and performance of candidates
As a member of the Senior Management Team your role will also be a key part of budgeting and
resource planning for both the Party as a whole with particular responsibilities for your team. You
will also have a central role in managing the breadth and depth of the external relationships the
Party needs to maintain.
What does success look like?
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Happy, engaged, well co-ordinated team
The co-operative movement is proud of us, even when they aren’t voting with us
Our targeted local and sector audiences and stakeholders have a clear sense of the role and
impact of the party
We have shaped Labour’s narrative, manifestos and policy offer going into the 2015
campaign
Key relationships
As part of the Senior Management Team your key relationships will be with the General Secretary,
the Deputy General Secretary, and your own External & Political Team. However, this is an outward
facing role, you and your team’s external relationships will be fundamental.
These include:
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Labour Party counterparts
Political, specialist and local media – excellent connections and working relationships
Counterparts in Co-operative Societies including the Co-operative Group – liaison with for
example communications, campaign, policy, corporate affairs, and public affairs teams
Co-operatives UK, Co-operative College, as well as other co-operative movement
organisations - liaison and coordination with them on policy, campaigning, advocacy and
lobbying work etc.
Other campaigning, advocacy and public affairs organisations
Essential skills and experience
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Experience of building and managing diverse highly professional teams, empowering and
supporting staff to deliver
Experience of working in/around British politics
Thorough understanding of the UK’s political media (press, broadcast, lobbying and
parliamentary environment)
Excellent relationship management skills
Ability to rapidly turn around high quality copy for a wide range of audiences
Designing and managing budgets
Understanding of and commitment to co-operative values and principles
Desirable
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Senior roles in strategic communications within a political environment
Public affairs experience from an agency, larger charity, NGO or NDPB an advantage
Professional experience of working in policy, campaigns or advocacy
Knowledge of the co-operative movement or sector
Experience of candidate development
To apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would be great for the role to
jobs@party.coop. The deadline for applications is 5th July 2013.