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.
Our platform at USPoliticalJobs.com presents a unique platform for job openings in politics, highlighting principles like voting rights, campaign finance reform, and civil liberties. It showcases jobs near Longview, TX that advocate for political values, promising fair treatment, transparency, and diversity in the workplace, with opportunities available nationwide.
Longview is a city located in northeast Texas within both Gregg and Harrison counties. As of the 2020 census, the population of Longview was 82,056 people, making it the forty-fifth most populous city in Texas. The city has a total area of 67.59 square miles.
Longview was established in the 1870s and was named for its view of the forests. The city's economy grew with the arrival of the railroad and timber industry in the area. Major employers today include Good Shepherd Medical Center, LeTourneau University, Longview Independent School District, and Eastman Chemical Company. Longview is considered a regional economic hub for Northeast Texas.
Longview was founded in the 1870s by Ossamus Hitch Methvin, Sr. He established a trading post on the junction of two major crossroads: the historic Longview-Marshall Road and the Jefferson-Daingerfield Road. In 1870, Methvin sold 100 acres to the Southern Pacific Railroad for one dollar to persuade them to build their line through the town. Longview was incorporated as a town on June 17, 1871 and then was chartered as a city in November of 1873.
The city grew rapidly due to the arrival of the railroad and thriving timber industry. The forests of East Texas provided the raw resources needed for lumber production and Longview became a lumber center. Cotton farming was also important to the economy. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the oil industry helped offset some of the declining timber demand.
As of the 2020 census, Longview had a population of 82,056 people. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.1% white, 20.4% black or African American, 1.8% Asian, 1.5% two or more races, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 12.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.2% other races.
Longview is the principal city of the Longview, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses Gregg, Upshur, and Rusk counties. The estimated metro population as of 2018 was 217,874 people.
Longview is governed under the Council-Manager form of government. The city council is made up of eight members representing four geographical districts. The mayor is elected at-large. The current mayor of Longview is Dr. Andy Mack.
Longview is located within two counties. The northern portion of the city is in Gregg County while the southern portion is in Harrison County.
Longview has a diversified economy focused on oil and gas, manufacturing, education, healthcare, retail, and regional corporate operations. Many major employers are headquartered in Longview providing jobs to local residents.
For more details on the economy and industries in Longview, visit the Longview Economic Development Corporation website at https://www.longviewedc.com.
Public education in Longview is provided by the Longview Independent School District which serves most areas of the city. There are three public high schools in Longview:
Higher education institutions in Longview include LeTourneau University, a private Christian university, and Kilgore College - Longview Campus, a community college.
The closest commercial airport to Longview is East Texas Regional Airport located around 8 miles north of downtown. This airport offers daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport via American Airlines.
Longview Transit provides public transportation services in the city and operates regular bus routes. For schedules and information visit http://www.longviewtransit.com.
Major highways serving Longview include Interstate 20, U.S. Highway 80, U.S. Highway 259, State Highway 31, and State Highway 149.
LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S Mobberly Ave, Longview, TX 75602.
The GPS coordinates for LeTourneau University are 32.50405, -94.75262.
The East Texas Oil Museum is located at 1301 S Main St, Longview, TX 75601.
The GPS coordinates for the East Texas Oil Museum are 32.49363, -94.73225.
The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is located at 402 E Marshall Ave, Longview, TX 75601.
The GPS coordinates for the Longview Arboretum are 32.49879, -94.71936.
Longview is home to the Longview Lobos, the high school sports teams in the Longview Independent School District. The Lobos compete in Division I UIL Class 6A athletics and play home football games at Lobo Stadium.
The real estate market in Longview is relatively affordable compared to state and national averages. As of December 2022, the median home list price in Longview was $199,900 compared to the Texas median of $325,000. Homes are available across a range of prices from affordable starter homes to higher end properties.
For more information on real estate in Longview, contact a local real estate agent or visit sites like Zillow.com and Realtor.com.
Longview has a number of healthcare facilities and providers serving residents of the city and surrounding region:
People needing emergency care can visit the ER at Good Shepherd Medical Center or several standalone emergency rooms and urgent care centers around Longview.
Popular things to do for entertainment, recreation, shopping, and dining in Longview include:
Longview offers plenty of entertainment, dining, and recreation options for visitors and residents in the area.
To stay up-to-date on local news, events, politics, and more in Longview, check out these media sources:
People can also follow local organizations like the City of Longview, Chamber of Commerce, community groups, and more on social media for news and happenings around town.
Here is a brief overview of key demographics and statistics on the population of Longview:
Longview has a diverse population with steady growth over the decades. It has a relatively balanced male to female ratio and median age on par with state and national averages.
Longview has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Some key features of the local climate include:
The weather is generally mild enough throughout the year for outdoor activities, aside from the hot and humid summers. Winters tend to be short and mild with some freezes possible.
The cost of living in Longview is lower than the national average but slightly higher than the Texas average. Key elements include:
Longview provides an affordable cost of living compared to many areas while still offering ample amenities and economic opportunities.
