Congressional Candidate Aide (Keith Pekau)
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Keith Pekau was elected Mayor of Orland Park in April 2017 in his first run for elected office and re-elected in 2021. During his tenure, Keith proactively worked to reduce crime in Orland Park, leading to the lowest village crime rate in over a quarter-century. He works closely with regional municipal and business partners, co-founded the Chicago Southland Interstate Alliance, an I-80 corridor development group, and is on the board of the I-80 Coalition. Keith is a decorated combat veteran and Air Force Instructor Weapons System Officer. Born and raised in Orland Park, he has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University and an M.B.A. from Duke University, as a Fuqua Scholar.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Heading into election season, with a Primary on June 28th and the General on November 8th, the campaign is needing a full-time staff member to directly support the candidate.
This individual will be responsible for supporting the candidate on a daily basis. This includes attending events with the candidate, ensuring campaign materials are displayed throughout the event and the candidate gets as much exposure as possible. It also includes attending meetings with the candidate, taking notes and providing support as necessary. The individual will be responsible for driving the candidate as needed so the candidate can focus on communicating with supporters and potential supporters.
The individual will also be in charge of providing support before and after events/meetings. They will manage the candidate’s schedule and be involved in scheduling discussions to ensure the candidate’s time is utilized as effectively as possible. Prior to meetings, they will do any necessary research to prepare the candidate for the meeting; after meetings, they will provide any necessary information from the meeting to the various members of the campaign team for utilization, and assist the candidate with any meeting follow-ups. Prior to events, they will work to coordinate the candidate’s attendance and involvement in the event, and then assist the field team with ensuring the campaign’s branding is visible at the event; after events, they will provide information on the individuals in attendance, especially individuals that connected with the candidate directly, to the various team members for utilization, and assist with any follow-ups.
In addition to supporting the candidate, the individual will assist with generating activity for the campaign social media accounts. They will take photos of the candidate throughout the day and work with the campaign team to publish posts. As available, they will help monitor activity on the page and work with the campaign team to coordinate any responses. And they will actively work to connect with influencers and voters and encourage their activity on the campaign social media profiles.
The individual must be able to work directly with the candidate, operate well with the campaign team, and take direction from leadership. They will be required to meet specific goals and provide regular reports to leadership, and should be able to speak to responsibilities directly during meetings and calls.
Individuals in this role must have a passion for politics, making a difference, and the candidate/campaign. The ideal candidate for this position is responsible, punctual, hard-working, tireless, detail-oriented, and well-groomed. They should excel at keeping track of details, thrive in a supportive team environment, and be capable of working independently as necessary. They must have their own vehicle, a valid drivers’ license and car insurance, and a good driving record. They must be discreet, trustworthy, and protective of confidential information. They must have the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities at the same time. They must embrace challenges and have the ability to set ambitious goals and deliver results. Individuals must hold right-of-center political beliefs and be located in (or able/willing to travel to) the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Supporting the candidate on a daily basis:
- Attend events with the candidate, ensure maximum exposure at the event, and collect as much information as possible.
-- Attend meetings with the candidate, take notes, and provide support as needed.
-- Transport the candidate as necessary.
-- Provide support before/after activities:
-- Assist with scheduling and identifying events and campaign activities.
-- Research individuals at upcoming meetings and influencers at upcoming events and prepare candidate.
-- Collect information and provide to campaign team.
-- Assist with follow-ups.
-- Take photos of the candidate and campaign events.
-- Assist with generating activity for campaign social media accounts.
-- Build relationships with influencers, supporters, and the campaign team.
-- Meet specific weekly and monthly goals, and regularly report progress to leadership.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrable Republican or conservative political experience in any U.S. jurisdiction
- Excellent attention to detail, punctual, reliable, and hard-working
- Trustworthy and ability to respect confidentiality and work with discretion
- Functional and presentable vehicle, valid drivers’ license and insurance, and good driving record
- Self-starter with ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong commitment to the candidate’s principles and candidacy
- Located in (or able/willing to travel to) the southwest suburbs of Chicago
POSITION COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Individual will be paid based on expertise with an increase during the General Election. Individual will be reimbursed for all approved campaign expenses, including travel expenses.
TO APPLY
Send a cover letter specific to this opportunity, your resume, 3 references, and links to your social media profiles to [email protected] Phone calls will not be accepted.
