Political Action Representative I/II/III

This position will be filled at the grade commensurate with the knowledge, skills, and experience of the selected applicant. Responsible for assisting, developing, managing and conducting political action and legislative campaigns on behalf of the International Union, working in close coordination within state affiliates; monitors and makes recommendations for union engagement in electoral and issue campaigns, trains affiliate leaders/staff and members in how to conduct political campaigns; works with allies and other organizations regarding electoral and issue work; and assists with state lobbying efforts. Utilizes advanced targeting, data and research to enhance field programs. Meets and builds relationships with candidates, party and other officials as well as other organizational and union staff. The position may require extensive travel throughout the country wherever needed.

Duties:

• Tracks political and legislative developments in the state and makes recommendations on the IU’s involvement and resource allocations accordingly.
• Monitors political developments, issues and topics by meeting with officials of political research and policy institutions and attending coalition group briefings.
• Conducts political training workshops in political motivation, campaign activities and member involvement to acquaint members with AFSCME’s position on political, legislative, and administrative issues and matters of importance.
• Assesses candidates on federal, state, and local levels of government to determine candidate viability and recommend degree of union involvement.
• Recommends extent of political assistance needed, type of campaign to be waged; budget and how to split costs, and the extent of involvement by AFSCME headquarters staff.
• Develops/modifies workshop materials for accuracy and to fit specific affiliate interests on selected campaign issues and topics.
• Conducts workshop sessions to acquaint members with the issues and AFSCME's position.
• These sessions can be given during active campaign periods or at affiliate conferences during off-election periods.
• Promotes and implements the PEOPLE program, and AFSCME’s political action committee.
• Identifies and builds relationships with progressive partners and allies in an effort to build and broaden AFSCME’s agenda in the state.
• Meets with affiliate leaders, retiree leaders, and members to promote fundraising for the committee.
• Drafts and implements fundraising plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in Labor Relations, Political Science or Government with a minimum of three (3) years of related work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of state legislative and budget processes.
• Thorough knowledge of campaign targeting techniques.
• Knowledge of scientific polling techniques.
• Knowledge of computer software associated with potential campaign data gathering or planning.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure within tight deadlines.
• Ability to develop training curriculum and conduct workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and writing in large group settings.
• Ability to develop and monitor political campaign budgets.
• Ability to assess political situations and develop appropriate campaign strategies.
• Experience with labor unions and an understanding of state and local legislative process is preferred.
• Knowledge of Votebuilder/VAN/LAN.

Travel & Work hours

• Extensive travel, extended work hours including weekends and a valid driver’s license are required.

AFSCME is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.