Clive Jones has quickly built a reputation as a hard-working local champion, in Parliament and the constituency, alongside being party spokesperson for Trade and campaigning for cancer care.

The Chief of Staff is the MP’s principal staff member, working closely with the MP on all matters and managing the parliamentary team.  The Chief of Staff role is 0.8 full-time equivalent, with an additional 0.2 FTE paid by Wokingham Liberal Democrats to lead campaigning outside of the scope of public funding.

Chief of Staff Responsibilities:

• Lead and maintain a highly professional support function for the MP, including line managing senior staff.
• Manage staff recruitment.
• Liaise with groups/individuals on the MP's behalf in Westminster and the constituency.
• Manage the MP’s budget and keep the MP informed.
• Horizon-scanning, identifing problems and solutions and advising the MP.
• Plan the MP's communications and stakeholder engagement
• Advise on constituent matters on behalf of the MP.
• Manage security in line with guidance, maintain systems and liaise with external bodies.
• Ensure the MP's staff maintain and develop relevant knowledge.
• Collate information from team members to present to the MP.
• Ensure that administrative and office functions are fulfilled in a timely fashion.

Campaign Leadership responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of national and local election campaigns.
• Support the local party executive building campaign capability and capacity.
• Line-manage and develop local party staff.

Work outside of normal hours and travel away from the primary work location may be required, including events in the constituency, in Westminster and other locations.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Leading and managing a highly motivated team of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work closely with a member of parliament or similar.
• Interest in and astuteness relating to local and national politics.
• Excellent written, verbal and digital communication skills.
• Experience of leading and managing political campaign activity.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working in an MP’s office or similar.
• Familiarity with casework in a national or local political environment.
• Familiarity with the Wokingham Constituency and surrounding area.
• Sympathy with the values and policies of the Liberal Democrats.