Running for Office
and Managing Campaigns

23rd October 2020

‘Running for Office and Managing Campaigns’ focused on universal cutting-edge political campaign techniques for those who wish to run for political office or work in political campaigns, in India or in representative systems throughout the world. Led by Professor Steve Jarding, a 40-year veteran campaign manager and political strategist, the session was nominated twice as the ‘The Most Influential Course’ at the Harvard Kennedy School. The session covered all aspects of modern campaigns beginning with a thorough discussion of the many variables candidates must consider before making the ultimate decision to run for political office. It also discussed when and with whom to staff a campaign, how to set up and implement a fundraising plan and how to design and determine a winning campaign budget. It explored campaign scheduling and candidate advance, a blueprint for press office set-up and how to best develop media relations.

The Masterclass was attended by:

  • Individuals holding or seeking to run for political office
  • Individuals seeking careers as campaign managers or political strategists
  • Individuals curious about how campaigns are run and managed
  • Professionals and activists seeking to understand how those running for office can be influenced
ABOUT THE PANEL

Prof. Steve Jarding
Professor, Harvard Kennedy School
Steve Jarding is an American and international educator, lecturer, writer, and political consultant who taught at Harvard’s Kennedy School of government from 2004 – 2019. While there, he was voted “Teacher of the Year” by students in 2016. In addition, his teaching was recognized as “Exemplary” by Kennedy School alumni, and his course on Campaign Management was twice nominated for the “Most Influential Course” Award. His research focuses on political campaign management and messaging and on a new paradigm of political communication that he developed at Harvard and with thousands of trainees around the world. Over a 40-year career, he has lectured, trained, or consulted in over 40 countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe and he has been recognized as one of the most successful political campaign managers and consultants in America compiling an impressive list of winning US Senate and gubernatorial races.

Moderated by Prateek Kanwal
Prateek Kanwal, Co-founder of Kautilya School of Public Policy, did his Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) from the Harvard Kennedy School. He was awarded the prestigious World Bank scholarship for his work in the areas of education reform and social innovation. He is currently the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Educate Girls, a non-profit organization with operations in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan. He is also the Founder of Citizens for Public Leadership (www.cplindia.org).