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Political Operative Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AIG

Senior Underwriter, Political Risk

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$116K - $137K/yr

Make your mark in Political Risk insurance AIG Underwriting teams help to find insurance solutions ... We are reimagining how we help customers to manage risk, transforming our operating model and ...

AIG

Senior Underwriter, Political Risk

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$106K - $125K/yr

Make your mark in Political Risk insurance AIG Underwriting teams help to find insurance solutions ... We are reimagining how we help customers to manage risk, transforming our operating model and ...

Allied Universal

GSOC Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Allied Universal is Hiring a GSOC Operator to work at a Tech Company located in San Francisco Pay ... These may range from extreme weather conditions, political instability, crime, terror, to technical ...

Allied Universal

GSOC Operator

San Francisco, CA

$30/hr

Allied Universal is Hiring a GSOC Operator to work at a Tech Company located in San Francisco Pay ... These may range from extreme weather conditions, political instability, crime, terror, to technical ...

Datwyler

Press Operator Injection

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The press operator - injection sets up and operates injection molding presses to convert uncured ... S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee Physical ...

Datwyler

Press Operator Injection

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The press operator - injection sets up and operates injection molding presses to convert uncured ... S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee Physical ...

Datwyler

Press Operator - Injection

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Become part of our great team as a Press Operator - Injection. Primary Responsibilities * Follows ... S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee Our offer to you ...

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All JobsPolitical Operative JobsPolitical Operative Jobs in California

Political Operative information

See California salary details

$8

$26

$60

How much do political operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for political operative in California is $26.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.59 and $35.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a political operative?

Political operatives are professionals who work behind the scenes in political campaigns, organizations, or parties to help strategize, coordinate, and execute political activities. They handle tasks such as campaign management, voter outreach, opposition research, fundraising, and communications. Political operatives play a crucial role in shaping campaign strategies and helping candidates or causes achieve their goals by leveraging their knowledge of the political process and public opinion.

What are some common challenges faced by political operatives during election campaigns?

Political operatives often encounter fast-paced environments with tight deadlines, requiring them to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and unexpected developments. Managing multiple stakeholders, from campaign staff to volunteers and media, can be demanding and necessitates strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, operatives must remain resilient in the face of public scrutiny and high-pressure situations, especially as Election Day approaches. Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day crisis management is a frequent challenge in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political operative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Operative, you need a solid understanding of political strategy, campaign management, and public policy, often supported by a degree in political science or a related field. Familiarity with voter data analytics platforms, social media management tools, and campaign finance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and networking skills help you build relationships and respond effectively to fast-changing political environments. These competencies are crucial for driving successful campaigns, influencing public opinion, and achieving organizational goals in the highly competitive political arena.

What are popular job titles related to Political Operative jobs in California?

For Political Operative jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Operative jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Operative jobs in California are:

Political Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Operative job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,653 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Strategic Partnerships Manager - Political & Public Affairs

Scpress

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$80 - $95/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Act as a subject matter expert in the political, government, and advocacy space, understanding California policy initiatives, ballot measures, and legislative calendars.

  • Identify, qualify, and secure new revenue streams from political campaigns, PACs, trade associations, and public affairs firms across the West Coast.

  • Build long-term, trust-based partnerships with political consultants, media buying agencies, and corporate advocacy directors.

Job description

Strategic Partnerships Manager – Political & Public Affairs

Job Category: Advertising

Requisition Number: STRAT002236

Apply now

  • Full-Time
  • Remote
Locations

Showing 1 location

Remote West | West Remote, USA

Description Strategic Partnerships Manager – Political & Public Affairs Vertical McClatchy | West Coast Division

Position Type: Full-Time

McClatchy, a leader in local and regional media, is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Account Executive to lead revenue development across California and the West Coast. With a powerful portfolio of iconic West Coast publications—including The Sacramento Bee, The Fresno Bee, and The Modesto Bee—McClatchy pairs a legacy of trusted regional journalism with a sophisticated, data-driven digital marketing suite that allows our clients to reach key decision-makers and voters with precision and impact.

Our mission has never been more vital. As a successful candidate, you will be the bridge between our first-class digital portfolio and the fast-paced political arena, leveraging data, innovation, and unmatched regional reach to drive measurable revenue growth and shape the conversations driving Western policy.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $80,000 and $95,000 annually. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, department equity, training, geography, and local wage and hours laws. Primary Responsibilities
  • Vertical Mastery: Act as a subject matter expert in the political, government, and advocacy space, deeply understanding California policy initiatives, ballot measures, and legislative calendars.
  • Strategic Business Development: Adopt a "Hunter" mentality to identify, qualify, and secure new revenue streams from political campaigns, PACs, trade associations, and public affairs firms across the West Coast.
  • Consultative Selling: Conduct deep-dive campaign assessments to understand complex legislative or electoral objectives and design highly targeted multi-platform issue-advocacy solutions.
  • Solution Engineering: Develop and deliver compelling marketing strategies utilizing McClatchy’s full suite of products, including high-impact display, programmatic geotargeting, social media amplification, CTV/OTT, and custom branded content.
  • Relationship Management: Build long-term, trust-based partnerships with leading political consultants, media buying agencies, and corporate advocacy directors.
  • Operational Excellence: Maintain rigorous pipeline management and accurate records of sales activities, compliance tracking, and revenue forecasts within rapid-fire political windows using CRM tools.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
  • Industry Knowledge: Proven experience working directly with political campaigns, issue-advocacy groups, or within the California public affairs ecosystem.
  • Digital Fluency: A strong background in digital marketing and advertising, with a proven track record of selling custom digital solutions (Programmatic, Social, First-Party Data targeting, etc.).
  • Sales Excellence: Demonstrated ability in strategic prospecting, high-stakes negotiation, and closing business under tight deadlines through a persuasive, solutions-oriented approach.
  • Agility & Collaboration: The ability to pivot instantly in a high-pressure, rapidly evolving political environment without losing quality, while collaborating constructively with cross-functional media teams.
  • Communication: Exceptional presentation and writing skills with the ability to earn the trust of high-profile political operatives and translate policy goals into media strategies.
Requirements
  • Education: A combination of knowledge and experience equivalent to a B.A. or B.S. Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in HubSpot, Salesforce, or equivalent CRM tools; daily CRM utilization for pipeline tracking is required.
  • Logistics: Must be located in California (Sacramento or Los Angeles regions preferred). A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and valid vehicle insurance are required for frequent regional travel.
Professional Offerings
  • Compensation: Base salary plus commission with uncapped earning potential.
  • Advancement: Clear opportunities for professional growth within a nationally recognized media organization.
  • Benefits: Full suite of benefits including a 401(k) with company match.
  • Culture: A fast-paced, professional, and mission-driven work environment aligned with major news cycles.

McClatchy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a Drug-Free Environment.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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