BENJAMIN WRIGHT

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAREER HISTORY
Public Affairs Consultant, Connect Communications Jan 2010 Current

As a consultant at a leading independent public affairs consultancy, I have worked with a wide range of clients from both the public and private sector. Advised on and implemented successful public affairs campaigns, building effective relationships amongst senior parliamentarians and ensuring that clients engaged effectively with target audiences. Successfully secured targeted national print and broadcast coverage for clients. Took an active part in identifying potential new business opportunities and took part in new business pitch meetings. Campaigns and Communications Manager, Thames Gateway London Partnership May Oct 2010

Completed a full-time secondment from Connect as the Campaigns and Communications Manager with a large advocacy organisation representing local authorities and universities in east London. l successfully lead the planning and implementation of internal and external campaign programmes, leading on the production and publication of a series of policy reports, rebuilding the stakeholder contact list and web-presence and designing and distributing regular targeted email news bulletins. As part of TGLPs post-election contact programme, I represented the organisation in meetings with Secretaries of State and briefed Lord Falconer, the Chair, ahead of meetings with ministers. As part of the recruitment and interview team, I also participated in the management of intern workloads. Political Group Officer, London Borough of Waltham Forest Sep 2007 Dec 2009

Provided policy, strategy and communications guidance to 21 councillors in one of Londons host Olympic Boroughs. I reformed internal and external communications protocols, produced news releases, paid media pieces and speechwriting for the Deputy Leader. Successfully engaged with local stakeholders and contacts within parliament and the local community to link local policy initiatives to national campaigns, including the organisation of several promotional visits by highprofile MPs. Parliamentary Analyst, DeHavilland Political Intelligence Dec 2006 Sep 2007

A part of a small editorial team, I worked under pressure and to strict deadlines in supplying parliamentary reports and briefings to a diverse range of commercial clients. Displayed an excellent working knowledge of complex aspects of both British and European political and parliamentary procedure.

Parliamentary Researcher, Adrian Sanders MP

May 2006 Dec 2006

As part of a six-month full time parliamentary internship with a Liberal Democrat MP, I worked with the partys national press office and policy team to secure both local and national media coverage. Successfully led the research and production of a media release on British tourism funding, included the submission of Parliamentary Questions, which led to a response from the Prime Minister and national media coverage. Internship, Ministerial Office, New Zealand Parliament Jun 2005 Sep 2005

Worked as an assistant in the Cabinet Office of Chris Carter MP, New Zealand Government Minister responsible for Ethnic Affairs, Conservation and Local Government Dealt confidently with national press inquiries and provided research for Ministerial Question Time. Internship, BBC Radio 4s World at One Apr 2005

Selected for an internship with the BBC news team during the 2005 General Election campaign, working in a high-pressured environment and confidently contributing to editorial meetings with senior team members. Constituency Work, Bob Russell MP May 2004

Successfully organised the members conference diary and produced targeted campaign literature on local policy issues as a volunteer in a busy constituency office. _______________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION
MSc Politics and Communication, London School of Economics 2008 2010

Achieved a Merit after completing part-time study towards a Masters degree covering both theoretical and practical aspects of modern campaigns and communication. Successfully completed a module in modern campaigning and new media communication led by Philip Gould and taught by senior marketing industry figures and campaign practitioners from both the UK and the US. BA (Hons.) Politics (2:1), University of Essex 2003 2006

Studying under Professor Anthony King and Professor Paul Whiteley, I specialised in US legislative and presidential politics. I was awarded a University of Essex funding prize towards a yearlong individual research project and dissertation on Electoral Reform. I travelled to New Zealand to conduct field research and interview MPs and academic experts. _______________________________________________________________________

RELEVANT TRAINING AND SKILLS

Member of the Association of Professional Political Consultants