Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Executive Director

Based in Burlington, VT

 

Title: Executive Director
Organization: Vermont AFL-CIO
Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt Position
Supervisor: President
Salary Range: $69,000 - $72,000
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Application Materials: Cover letter, résumé and three references

To Apply
Submit materials to: careers@vtaflcio.org

Key responsibilities and duties:

• The Executive Director is responsible for the implementation of all Vermont AFL-CIO activities and programs to advance labor’s political campaigns:
  • Tracks and monitors legislation, committee markups and votes to support the work of the Vermont State Labor Council and its affiliates.
  • Maintains a legislative voting record for members of the Vermont legislature and the Federal Delegation.
  • Serves as a link between the State Labor Council and elected federal, state, and local elected leaders.
  • Maintains a portfolio of legislative issues (past, present, and future).
  • Reviews and makes recommendations to the Executive Council on proposed regulations and legislative proposals for their impact on State Labor Council affiliate members and workers writ large.
  • Develops and contributes to written material, including correspondence, legislative testimony, and policy memoranda for use internally and externally.
  • Assists in preparing strategic recommendations for issue and policy development.
  • Coordinates and manages volunteers at rallies, pickets, phone banks, pickets, demonstrations, marches, and other actions and campaigns.
• The Executive Director will take the lead role to manage all day-to-day office operations including:
  • Answer phones and emails, administer VSLC website and social media accounts to regularly communicate with our members and allies (e.g., using Action Network, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools), send monthly per capita to all affiliates, check mail twice a week and meet the Secretary-Treasurer as needed to deliver mail.  
  • Organize the annual VT AFL-CIO Convention and COPE Convention in such a way that it is run according to the Vermont State Labor Council Constitution and the Bylaws of the National AFL-CIO.
  • Account for all program-related expenses incurred, tracking per capita strength of affiliates, sending per capita invoices, and other required record keeping and reporting.  
  • Coordinate and manage the activities of any additional staff that may be hired, at the general direction of the Vermont AFL-CIO Executive Board. The Executive Director may make recommendations for hiring or terminating additional staff but the VSLC must make the final decision.
  • Serve as the main liaison between the Vermont State Labor Council and the National AFL-CIO.
  • Work in coordination with the Vermont AFL-CIO Executive Committee to draft an annual comprehensive strategic plan to the Executive Board for consideration prior to the annual convention. The strategic plan will be finalized via delegate input at the annual convention. Upon the request of the President, the Executive Director shall produce a comprehensive long-term (multi-year) strategic plan.
  • Performs other duties as required to support the State Labor Council and its mission.
  • The Executive Director must have a commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor’s goals. They must be able to advance projects and programs that convey these goals and work with other union leaders, members, and community activists in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines. Focus on growing and strengthening the labor movement in Vermont will include:
  • Serve as a link between the State Labor Council and its affiliate organizations. Liaises and advocates with outside organizations and affiliates as assigned.
  • New Organizing. Initiate and support new organizing drives in cooperation with affiliated unions and Workers Circles.
  • Internal Organizing – Initiate and support internal organizing drives in cooperation with affiliated unions.
  • Supporting The Vision Of The Elected Executive Board. It shall be the responsibility to actively support the positions adopted by the Executive Committee, Executive Board, and the positions articulated by the membership at the annual convention.
  • Other Duties As Assigned.

Necessary Skills

• Strong computer and technical skills to carry out the priorities outlined above.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, produce newsletters, leaflets, basic phone and walk scripts, work plans, and project reports.
• The ability to design and lead workshops aimed at leadership, members, and volunteer development.
• Previous union, grassroots, or campaign organizing experience.
• Valid driver’s license and continuous use of a reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to travel throughout the region on a regular basis and occasional out-of-state travel.
• Long work hours and frequent participation in evening and weekend activities.

Benefits include:
Health insurance, dental, vision, short-term disability, paid vacation, holidays & retirement match.