A political campaign is an organization that seeks to elect a candidate or pass ballot initiatives in order to advance a specific policy agenda. These campaigns can range from small, local operations staffed by a handful of volunteers and staff to massive federal operations with hundreds of paid staffers and consultants. The size and scope of a campaign dictates the types of roles and responsibilities available to those involved.
Candidates for public office are elected every two years (a “cycle”), and there are thousands of opportunities to work on a political campaign. Competitive races tend to attract more professional staff, given their impact on the balance of power and policy outcomes in government.
Prospective political staffers can find jobs in campaigns by seeking out opportunities on online job boards or contacting a member of their target’s campaign directly to express their interest in joining the team. Many campaigns also hire experienced political staffers through referrals, so having a network of connections in the field can be helpful.
Some campaigns provide a variety of forms of support for their staffers, such as housing, food and transportation expenses. Historically, campaigns haven’t always paid livable wages, but today many—particularly in highly competitive races—offer fair compensation. Working on a political campaign offers aspiring politicians or policy-influencers a chance to develop their skills and gain an understanding of the broader dynamics that inform politics in ways that may not be available from traditional career paths.