AFL-CIO Tech Institute Executive Director

Executive Director

AFL-CIO Technology Institute

Washington, D.C.

About the AFL-CIO Technology Institute

This is a historic moment in the American labor movement—a time of unprecedented worker interest in unions, rapid technological transition in the workplace and across industries, and a fierce national debate about the future of democracy and the economy, including the role of artificial intelligence in our society. The AFL-CIO Technology Institute (TI) was founded to support workers, their unions and communities as they navigate technology-driven change in the U.S. economy and public services. Its creation was a central recommendation of the AFL-CIO’s Commission on the Future of Work and Unions. Over the past several years, the institute has established itself as a go-to expert on how to center workers in today’s data-driven economy in a way that both maintains American leadership in innovation and ensures shared prosperity for everyone. Workers are on the front lines of technology transitions in our private and public sector workplaces and can help design and deploy the technologies that will make our economy both competitive and equitable—an essential recipe for a thriving economy and democracy.

For more information about the AFL-CIO Technology Institute, please visit our website.

The Opportunity

This position is a unique opportunity to equip working people and their unions with the knowledge they need to advance their interests and define the future on their terms. It will also shape the national debate around the respect and dignity owed to working people, even as technology reshapes the workplace, our economy and public service, and our democracy.

Candidate Profile

The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking executive director and team player to lead the institute in its next phase. The candidates for this position must be eager to advance workers and their unions as artificial intelligence and other technologies reshape the workplace, public services, our economy and our society. They should be highly motivated by the goals of the labor movement and care deeply about creating a brighter future for working people. The role requires a spectrum of skills and experiences that will set the executive director up for success. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are highly encouraged to apply. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the roles and responsibilities, the ideal candidate demonstrates the following core competencies:

Leadership, Innovation and Collaboration

• Innovative thinker and high-level driver with appropriate subject matter expertise on technology and workers, and experience in or adjacent to the labor movement. This would include senior leadership experience in several areas, including technology policy, the innovation and technology ecosystem, national artificial intelligence issues, the labor movement, and/or philanthropy and NGO communities.
• Strategic leadership in a fast-paced, changing environment that requires new ideas, strategies, tools and experimentation in the context of generational technology changes and entrenched economic inequality. Track record of innovation and creative problem solving on complex issues that require policy, political and organizational expertise.
• Proven ability to navigate complex work and relationships, and manage a nimble and constantly evolving agenda while making a tangible impact in workplaces and communities. Requires navigating pathways for TI’s core programs and activities through various coalitions, political processes, and with the AFL-CIO and other labor partners; providing subject matter expertise and support to working people, their unions and communities; overseeing and delivering high-profile conferences and events such as the annual Labor Innovation and Technology (LIT) conference; and leading in core institute programs and activities.
• Familiarity and experience developing and managing high-level funder relationships, a strong record of fundraising and diversifying revenue streams, and an intimate understanding of the strategies needed to work in partnership and collaboration with the philanthropic community and other partnerships.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills in public-facing leadership positions; comfortable in an array of settings, from union meetings to congressional, state and federal government engagements, philanthropy, and university and business convenings.

Team Management, Coalition Work and Organizational Development

• Track record managing an organization, hiring and developing a team, and preferably experience leading a body of work inside a large stakeholder-based political institution with complex structures and/or working with multistakeholder coalitions. Management skills and expertise to build and sustain a team that possesses the unique skill sets required of this work within TI’s core lane as a hub of expertise.
• Developing and advancing a mission, programs and sustainable business model under the guidance and oversight of an engaged, high-level board. Includes collaborating with the board on board development, strategic planning, financial glidepaths and funding strategies; staff satisfaction, performance and leadership development; program accountability; and other oversight.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• Experience and/or commitment to advancing progressive politics or policies, organized labor, unions and/or other relevant areas.
• A deeply held belief in justice and equality.

Compensation and Benefits

The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is committed to a better life for working people. As an organization committed to developing a diverse team, the AFL-CIO Technology Institute strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQ+, transgender and nonbinary people, people with disabilities and women to apply for this opportunity to join the fight for living wages and workers’ rights.

This is a full-time position with a competitive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $200,000.

The Technology Institute offers employee benefits, including:

• Excellent employer-paid comprehensive health care, medical and vision coverage.
• Generous leave, including annual vacation and sick leave.
• Employer-paid retirement/pension plan and 401(k) savings plan match.
• A hybrid work culture with the option to work from home up to two times per week.

The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply

Submit your résumé, cover letter and salary requirement online at aflciotechinstitute.bamboohr.com/careers/38. Applications must be submitted through the AFL-CIO Tech Institute portal. Résumés and cover letters sent via email, LinkedIn or other portals will not be reviewed.

Please contact cbieber@aflciotechinstitute.org should you have any questions about the role. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.

The Technology Institute offers employee benefits, including:

• Excellent employer-paid comprehensive health care, medical and vision coverage.
• Generous leave, including annual vacation and sick leave.
• Employer-paid retirement/pension plan and 401(k) savings plan match.
• A hybrid work culture with the option to work from home up to two times per week.