Politics and government are major industries that employ millions of people across a wide variety of roles. For those interested in a career in the political sphere, there are many potential jobs and positions to pursue. However, some political jobs are more coveted than others due to their influence, prestige, and potential for impact.
This article will examine the top 20 political jobs that job seekers are currently trying to gain employment in. We will analyze what makes each role appealing, what qualifications and experience are needed to be a strong candidate, and what the job outlook is like for these coveted political positions.
1. Elected Official
Being an elected official at any level of government, whether local, state, or federal, is one of the most sought-after political jobs. Individuals aiming for these positions include mayors, governors, senators, representatives, council members, aldermen, and more. These roles come with a great deal of influence and ability to impact communities and constituencies. However, they also require successfully running and winning elections.
Qualifications for elected office vary but generally require residency in the district you wish to represent, sufficient experience and education to serve effectively, strong communication and campaigning abilities, fundraising prowess, and more. The job outlook for elected positions depends greatly on the political climate but openings emerge regularly through retirements, resignations, and redistricting.Learn more about elected officials.
2. Campaign Manager
Experienced campaign managers are always in high demand to spearhead campaigns at all levels of government. Their role is to formulate overall campaign strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, manage staffers, cultivate the candidate's public image, handle PR, direct fundraising efforts, and serve as the central point person for the entire campaign. Strong multitasking abilities, political savvy, thick skin, long hours, and high stress levels come with the territory.
Qualifications include campaign experience, people management skills, strategic thinking, budget and numbers acumen, public speaking, crisis management, and calm under pressure. Those with successful track records running previous campaigns have a leg up. The job outlook is decent as elections are always taking place, providing continuous openings.Read more about campaign managers on Wikipedia.
3. Political Consultant
Political consultants leverage their political expertise and strategy abilities to provide consulting services to elected officials, candidates, parties, PACs, interest groups, governments, and more. Their goal is to shape their client's messaging and positions to resonate with voters and the general public.
Qualifications include substantial experience working in government and/or campaigns, political strategy and messaging expertise, research skills, media relations savvy, excellent communication and presentation abilities, and strong critical thinking. Those with past successes as strategists are most in demand. The job outlook is growing steadily along with overall rising election costs and demand for expert consultants.
4. Legislative Staffer
Working as a staffer for an elected legislator is a highly sought after job, providing the chance to develop and shape policy directly. Legislative staffers perform duties like communicating with constituents, conducting research, assisting with committee work, tracking legislation, campaigning, liaising with lobbyists, and more. Strong writing skills and long hours are par for the course.
Qualifications include campaign experience, public policy knowledge, research abilities, constituent service skills, political savvy, and verbal and written communication proficiency. Openings emerge frequently with changes in legislative sessions and personnel. Washington D.C. offers the most legislative staffer jobs.Learn more about legislative staffer roles.
5. Political Director
Political directors, also known as party officers, are in demand to oversee state and local party operations and strategy. Their core duty is bolstering the party's strength and candidate pipeline in the region they operate. This involves directing grassroots mobilization, voter outreach, party messaging, fundraising, and recruitment.
Needed qualifications include substantial campaign experience, grassroots organizing skills, leadership and team management, data analysis, budgeting know-how, and strong communication abilities. Openings emerge frequently with party leadership changes. Larger, more competitive states offer the most job opportunities.Read more about the role of political directors.
6. Lobbyist
Lobbying is a thriving industry and experienced lobbyists are valued to influence legislation and regulatory policy on behalf of special interest groups, corporations, non-profits, foreign entities, and others. Lobbyist duties include researching policy issues, meeting with lawmakers and staff, testifying at hearings, and running advocacy campaigns.
Qualifications include expertise in a specific policy area, legal and political process knowledge, coalition building skills, and high ethical standards. Many obtain a JD degree. Openings are available as interest groups across all industries seek lobbying representation. Washington D.C. offers the most active lobbying job market.Learn more about what lobbyists do.
7. Congressional Staffer
Working on Capitol Hill as a staffer for a member of Congress is a fast-paced, prestigious position at the heartbeat of national politics. Congressional staffers help draft legislation, meet with lobbyists and constituents, handle communications like press releases and speeches, and assist with committee work.
Qualifications include strong writing skills, legal and policy knowledge, campaign experience, prior congressional internships, and connections on the Hill. Openings occur frequently with changes in Congressional membership. Highly competitive but provides unmatched exposure.Read more about Congressional staffers on Wikipedia.
8. Political Reporter
Political reporting is an in-demand journalism specialty covering elections, legislation, and national issues for print, broadcast, and online media outlets. Political reporters interview key figures, investigate political issues, cover campaigns, analyze polls, and interpret policy developments.
Needed skills include writing ability, substantiated sourcing, broadcast charisma or writing aptitude depending on the medium, and deep political process understanding. Degrees in journalism, communications or political science are preferred. Openings emerge frequently due to high turnover. Political reporting hotbeds like D.C. and NYC have the most opportunities.
9. Policy Analyst
Policy analysts are sought after by government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, advocacy groups, and private corporations to research and analyze specific policy issues. They evaluate pending legislation, assess policy impacts, and provide recommendations to inform policymaking.
Qualifications include research skills, issue expertise, analytical abilities, writing proficiency, and a degree in a relevant policy field. Job growth is steady for qualified analysts. Openings span many policy domains like healthcare, economic policy, education, environment, and more.Learn more about policy analysts on Wikipedia.
10. Political Scientist
Academic roles as political science professors and researchers are highly sought in addition to political scientist openings with think tanks and R&D firms. Their work involves research and analysis of political systems, processes, behaviors, cultures, and relations between governing bodies.
Typical requirements are a PhD in political science, research and academic writing skills, and subject matter expertise in a subfield like American politics, comparative politics, geopolitics, etc. Tenured and tenure-track professor openings are very competitive.Learn more about becoming a political scientist.
11. Pollster
Skilled pollsters have their pick of top opportunities helping political candidates, parties, and interest groups gain insights through designing surveys, conducting polls, analyzing data, and interpreting public opinion. Their polling informs high-level strategy and messaging.
Must-haves are statistical and survey methods expertise, data analysis skills, political and policy process knowledge, and the ability to translate findings into strategic recommendations. Openings are steadiest leading up to major elections but available year-round.Learn more about political pollsters and polling on Wikipedia.
12. Civil Servant
Public sector jobs as civil servants in government departments and agencies provide stable career opportunities to work on major policy issues. sought-after federal civil service roles include policy advisor, legislative liaison, program analyst, and specialist positions based on qualifications.
Typical requirements include relevant education, policy or subject-matter experience, skillsets matched to role duties like research, data analysis, comms, etc, and the ability to meet eligibility rules. Hiring needs fluctuate by agency but openings are fairly consistent.Read more about the civil service on Wikipedia.
13. Political Commentator
Media roles as on-air political commentators and contributors analyzing elections, legislation, and current affairs for major television networks have surging appeal. Commentators provide real-time insights and perspectives on political developments.
Needed qualifications include on-camera broadcast experience, deep political and policy process expertise, and the ability to provide clear commentary on unfolding events. Openings are limited but emerge with personnel changes. Partisan balance is often considered.Learn how to become a political commentator.
14. Campaign Operative
Experienced campaign operatives have their choice of job opportunities assisting high-profile federal, state, and local campaigns with key functions like polling, opposition research, fundraising, surrogate recruitment, get out the vote (GOTV), and more based on their specialty areas.
Must-haves are in-depth campaign experience in relevant niche disciplines like polling or fundraising, political instincts and savvy, and a very flexible schedule. Openings vary seasonally with most jobs coinciding with major campaign cycles leading up to elections.Learn more about campaign operatives on Wikipedia.
15. Political Speechwriter
Speechwriting for presidents, prime ministers, legislators, party leaders, candidates, and other major political figures is an increasingly prestigious career path. Speechwriters research issues, shape messaging and narrative, and write major addresses.
Necessary skills include excellent writing ability, storytelling prowess, research capabilities, message discipline, and ability to channel a speaker's voice. Openings emerge with changes in administrations and shifts in prominent political personnel.Learn more about political speechwriting.
16. Ambassador
Representing your nation abroad as an ambassador or foreign envoy is a highly coveted diplomatic role. Key duties include advancing national interests, negotiating with foreign governments, gathering intelligence, and leading a diplomatic mission and embassy staff.
Traditional requirements are subject matter and language expertise related to country of posting, foreign service experience, leadership and management skills. Political appointments are also common. Openings vary by administration.Read more about serving as ambassador on Wikipedia.
17. Campaign Aide
Early career openings as campaign aides, assistants, and junior staff offer great on-ramp opportunities to gain experience assisting high-level campaigns, legislators, and elected officials. Entry-level duties often include administrative work, constituent services, and basic campaign tasks.
Qualifications include political internships or volunteer experience, public policy or government knowledge, administrative skills, work ethic, and flexibility. Openings surge leading up to major elections but available year-round.Learn more about political campaign aides on Wikipedia.
18. Issues Advocacy Campaign Manager
Managing issue advocacy campaigns for key causes and interest groups is increasingly appealing, allowing the ability to drive impact on topics like healthcare, environment, education, gun reform, and more. Responsibilities include developing campaign strategy, organizing grassroots advocacy, generating public awareness, and lobbying decision-makers.
Needed qualifications include substantial campaign management experience, grassroots organizing expertise, exceptional communication skills, leadership capabilities, and passion for the issue. Openings are continuous across many cause areas and nonprofits.Learn more about issue advocacy campaigns on Wikipedia.
19. Political Party Official
Becoming an official within national, state, or local party leadership structures provides insider influence. Coveted roles include state party chair, national committee member, president/vice president of national party committees, convention delegates, and party precinct chairs.
Typical requirements are party loyalty, active involvement, networking relationships, campaign experience, political instincts, leadership skills, fundraising capabilities, and high energy. Openings vary by election cycles and shifts in party control.Learn about leadership roles in national party committees.
20. Press Secretary
Serving as press secretary for a prominent elected official, government agency, candidate campaign, or political party provides highly influential opportunities to control messaging through the media. Press secretaries handle public relations, manage crisis communications, advise principals, and guide media narratives.
Critical skills include public speaking, media training, writing and messaging ability, social media savvy, ability to thrive under pressure, political instincts, and mastery of sensitive issues. Openings coincide with changes in administrations and key personnel shifts.
This covers the top 20 most coveted and sought-after political jobs spanning many areas of government, campaigns, media, and advocacy. Opportunities exist at all levels from entry-level to senior roles. Gaining the right qualifications, experience and connections can help open doors to fulfilling political careers.
USPoliticalJobs.com provides a unique platform for job openings in the political sector, emphasizing principles like voting rights, campaign finance reform, and civil liberties. It showcases jobs near La Porte, TX that advocate for political values, guaranteeing fair treatment, transparency, and diversity in the workplace, with opportunities open nationwide.
La Porte is a city located in Harris County in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population of La Porte was 35,477 making it the 28th most populous city in the Harris County region. La Porte is part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area.
La Porte was founded in 1892. It was originally settled by immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and Mexico. The name La Porte comes from the French words “la porte” meaning “the port” or “the door”. This refers to the area being the gateway to the port of Houston which was established in the early 19th century.
In 1895, La Porte had a population of around 500 people. The local economy was dominated by sulfur production, shipping, and cotton farming. By the early 1900s, La Porte's population grew substantially thanks to the development of nearby Houston and the area's prominence as a shipping hub. La Porte was officially incorporated as a city in 1911.
During World War II, La Porte's economy received a boost from the establishment of numerous chemical plants and oil refineries to support the war effort. The community continued to grow steadily in the post-war decades. Today, La Porte is a thriving locality and a significant part of the Greater Houston area.
As of the 2020 United States Census, La Porte had a population of 35,477 residents making it the 28th largest city in Harris County and the 87th largest city in Texas. Between 2000 and 2020, La Porte's population grew by 2.2%.
The racial makeup of La Porte is 72.4% White, 3.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 17% from other races, and 3% from two or more races. 30.4% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are an estimated 12,631 households out of which 31.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% are married couples living together, 14.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31% are non-families. 26.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older.
La Porte has a relatively young population compared to national averages. The median age is 37 years old. For every 100 females, there are 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.4 males.
The economy of La Porte is largely industrial and focused around shipping, oil, and chemical production. Some of the major employers in La Porte include:
La Porte is served by nearby highways that connect it to the greater Houston metro area. The South Loop of Houston, State Highway 225, runs just west of La Porte. Interstate 10 passes through the southern part of the city, leading towards Downtown Houston to the west and east towards Baytown. State Highway 146 connects La Porte to Seabrook to the southeast. La Porte is approximately 25 miles east of Downtown Houston.
La Porte is served by the Baytown/La Porte Airport for general aviation. The closest major airport is Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport located 25 miles west of the city.
La Porte is served by the Baytown Park & Ride which provides public transportation links to Downtown Houston. The service is operated by Harris County Transit. La Porte is also served by Greyhound for intercity bus services.
Public education in La Porte is provided by the La Porte Independent School District. The district has eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Higher education options include nearby San Jacinto College which has two campuses in Baytown and Pasadena.
The La Porte Nature Trail is a 14-mile hiking and biking trail that runs along the Kelley Bayou in La Porte. The scenic trail is popular for walking, running, biking, birdwatching and exploring the wetland habitat. There are multiple access points along Sens Road.
La Porte Municipal Airport is a public airport located near the center of the city. It is used for general aviation purposes. There are over 65 aircraft based at the field. The airport was established in 1946.
The La Porte Heritage Museum preserves and showcases the history of La Porte through exhibits and artifacts. It was founded in 1988 and is located in the former First State Bank of La Porte built in 1942.
La Porte has a Council-Manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor and six council members who enact legislation and appoint the city manager. The city manager oversees the daily operations of the government.
For those visiting or considering a move to La Porte, the city has an informative tourism website at VisitLaPorte.com. This covers things to do, events, dining, shopping, history, and more.
The city's Facebook page is also a good resource for staying up-to-date on community happenings and events. Visit their page at facebook.com/cityoflaportetx
La Porte is home to some great youth, high school, and college athletics. The La Porte High School Bulldogs compete in District 22-5A and are part of the University Interscholastic League. Follow the Bulldogs at the athletics website lpisd.org/athletics.
The local college San Jacinto College has athletics teams known as the Ravens. Home games are played at the Anders Gymnasium in Pasadena. Get updates on scores and schedules at the SJC Ravens website.
La Porte is located in Harris County in Texas. Harris County offices are located in Houston, the county seat.
