AFSCME Council 31
 

Legislative Director

Based in Chicago, IL

 

AFSCME Council 31 is one of Illinois' largest and most active unions, representing some 65,000 public service workers in 290 affiliated local unions. Council 31 has a long tradition of democratic, progressive trade unionism and plays a key role in the Illinois labor movement, as well as in the state's political and legislative arenas. It has pioneered new strategies for organizing the unorganized, winning tough contract fights, and developing innovative programs to improve workers' lives. AFSCME members work in a wide range of occupations--including health care, criminal justice, clerical, public works, human services, and educational support.

AFSCME Council 31 currently has an opening for a Legislative Director.

Responsibilities:

• Help develop state legislative strategy on broad range of issues affecting AFSCME members.
• Represent the union at the State Capitol during legislative sessions.
• Monitor all state legislative activity and develop analyses of relevant legislation.
• Draft legislation, fact sheets, and other communications to legislators.
• Lobby elected officials, primarily in the Illinois General Assembly.
• Coordinate union's grassroots lobbying program to directly involve union members in outreach to legislators.
• Work with union leadership to formulate policy positions on issues of importance to union members.
• Participate in developing and implementing the union's political action program, including endorsements, member involvement and member communications.
• Represent the union in coalitions, governmental and legislative task forces, and labor movement activities.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of all facets of the legislative process.
• Ability to analyze legislation.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently within an overall plan
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in political campaigns and in organizing grassroots electoral activities.
• Knowledge of and strong commitment to the labor movement.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary schedule starting at $80,620 with annual step increases based on years of service and topping at $129,624. In addition to step increases, salaries are usually adjusted annually.
• Benefits include: affordable quality health care coverage; a defined benefit pension plan; vacation, holiday, sick, and parental leave.

To Apply:
Email cover letter and résumé to: Margaret Walker at mwalker@afscme31.org.