Two very different jobs working for the Liberal Democrats are on offer over at W4MP

The Scottish Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament are looking for a Press Officer who will be based at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

The primary responsibilities of the postholder will be to work in a leading role in the small staff team at Holyrood to ensure that the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ media relations are delivered in a professional manner. This will provide Liberal Democrat MSPs, and to a more limited extent the wider Scottish Liberal Democrat party, with press and media support.

The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate an ability to understand and promote political positions and policy; they will be expected to build credibility with journalist and commentators; they will be expected to work quickly and accurately under pressure; and they should demonstrate an affinity with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

Responsibilities include:

Timely drafting and distribution of reactive lines to breaking news and the issues of the day;
Working with other staff to produce pro-active media initiatives;
Alerting MSPs, staff and, where appropriate, other senior Scottish Liberal Democrat figures to significant news stories;
Maintaining the news content of the Scottish Liberal Democrat website;
Filling broadcasting bids for radio and television;
Drafting articles for campaign leaders and MSPs;
Accompanying MSPs on visits away from Parliament when a media presence is anticipated;
Working with other staff to ensure that MSPs are fully briefed before media appearances;
Providing on-call cover at the weekends and in the evening as part of a rota;
Pro-actively seeking slots on broadcast media for campaign leaders;
Developing a professional working relationship with Scottish based political and specialist journalists;
Representing the views and outlook of the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs – and wider party – to journalists;
Maintaining an up to date distribution list for journalists, stakeholders and Liberal Democrats;
Working with party staff to support party conferences and other events;
Working with other staff and MSPs to develop and implement a media strategy;
Maintaining an overview and awareness of political and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere by different parties and governments;
Other duties as may be required to support the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

A previous holder of that job was seen to say on Facebook last night how much she loved it. The closing date is 31st May.

In Somerset, Wells Liberal Democrats are looking for an organiser.

Key Tasks:

General
1. To support Councillors and Constituency Executive Committee members on day-to-day political and campaigning matters relevant to the Constituency.
2. To act as Agent in preparation for the 2017 County Council Elections.
3. To carry out any reasonable request made by the Constituency Chair.

Elections
4. To work with the Constituency Executive Committee to ensure approved candidates stand as agreed in elections contested on a party political basis.
5. To ensure that for all elections nomination papers are completed and submitted prior to the closing date.
6. To monitor all election activities and literature to ensure compliance with electoral and data protection legislation.
7. To ensure that election days are organised and efficient.
8. To ensure that all election expenses statements are complete, accurate and submitted by the due date.

Campaigning
9. To support election candidates and branches with literature, publicity and campaigning assistance.
10. To collect and manage data, and ensure that data from canvassing and the marked registers are entered to Connect.
11. To ensure the Constituency Party website is updated and maintained, and to assist with the use of social media to promote the values and aims of the Liberal Democrats.

Development
12. Working with candidates to build the Constituency’s infrastructure, notably through phone and, where appropriate, face-to-face contact with members, helpers and supporters.
13. In co-operation with the Membership Development Secretary, to identify potential members, helpers and supporters and to ensure that contact is followed up.
14. To assist with regular communication with members, helpers and supporters.
15. To undertake training as and when required and to support the training of Party members.

Liaison
16. To liaise with other constituencies on matters of mutual interest and concern.
17. To represent the Constituency at relevant meetings, including Party Conferences, as agreed and directed by the Constituency Executive Committee

The closing date for this one is 2 June.