Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Role Purpose

The Chief of Staff is the Leader’s principal strategic adviser and senior aide, responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the Leader’s Office and supporting the Leader in delivering the Party’s political, parliamentary, electoral and organisational objectives.

This is a pivotal leadership role requiring political judgement, discretion, strategic oversight, and the ability to operate at pace in a complex, high-profile environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the Leader’s primary strategic adviser, helping to shape and deliver political priorities
• Oversee the development and execution of short, medium and long-term strategy
• Ensure alignment between the Leader’s Office, the Parliamentary Parties, Party HQ and the State and Regional Parties
• Anticipate political risks and opportunities, providing clear and timely advice

Management of the Leader’s Office

• Lead and manage the Leader’s Office team, setting priorities and ensuring high performance
• Oversee workflow, decision-making processes and internal communications
• Ensure effective briefing systems are in place to support the Leader’s parliamentary, media and public engagements
• Maintain rigorous standards of professionalism, confidentiality and discipline

Political and Parliamentary Coordination

• Act as a key liaison with Liberal Democrat MPs, Peers, candidates and state and regional leaders
• Work closely with the Chief Whip’s office and frontbench team to coordinate parliamentary activity
• Support the Leader in maintaining strong internal relationships across the Party

External Relations and Stakeholder Management

• Support the Leader’s engagement with external stakeholders, including donors, journalists, business leaders, influencers and civil society organisations
• Help shape key political messaging in collaboration with the CEO and communications team
• Represent the Leader in senior meetings as required

Governance and Party Integration

• Ensure appropriate coordination between the Leader’s Office, Party HQ and other party bodies
• Uphold the Party’s constitution, values and governance processes
• Provide oversight of politically sensitive matters requiring careful handling
   

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant senior-level experience in politics, public affairs, government, or a comparable high-pressure leadership environment
• Exceptional political judgement, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate high levels of risk
• Strong management and organisational leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Absolute discretion and integrity
• Deep understanding of the Liberal Democrats’ values, structures and political positioning

Desirable

• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Issues management experience

Personal Attributes

• Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions quickly
• Highly organised and detail-oriented while maintaining strategic oversight
• Collaborative, emotionally intelligent and politically astute
• Resilient, adaptable and self-motivated
• Committed to the values of liberalism, fairness and integrity in public life

Reporting Structure

The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats. It works closely with the Senior Frontbench Spokesperson team, Chief Whip, Chief Executive, Director of Campaigns, Director of Communications, and senior stakeholders across the party.

Terms

This is a senior political appointment. 

Competitive salary.

The role requires flexibility, including evening and weekend work, as well as occasional travel across the UK.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to recruitment@libdems.org.uk 

• A CV (maximum 2 pages)
   
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification

We will review applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint before the closing date. We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage.

Please note: 

We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed at any point in the recruitment process.

Please provide details of your current salary and two referees, including one from your current employer. If you would prefer us not to contact them until a later stage of the selection process, please let us know.

We may not notify unsuccessful applicants at the shortlisting stage.

The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion within our workforce. We want our employees to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and to feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who we are.