AFSCME District Council 36

Political Advocate

Based in the Los Angeles area located in Vernon, CA

 

Background
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the country’s largest public employees’ union. AFSCME is the largest affiliate of the national AFL-CIO, with more than 1.4 million members and an overall representation of more than 1.6 million public employees in 46 states the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. AFSCME is the fastest growing union in the United States and is committed to achieving employee dignity and improving the working conditions for working men and women throughout this country.

AFSCME Local Unions in Southern California are joined together in AFSCME District Council 36 to provide professional field representation, coordinated contract campaigns, political action and organizing. The Local Unions affiliated with AFSCME District Council 36 represent more than 20,000 public sector workers in 70 Local Unions. Members in affiliated Local Unions work for county governments, cities, school districts, special governmental districts, transportation agencies, non-profits and private employers.

Job Description
The Political Advocate works on political, legislative and electoral priorities of the Council and its affiliate Locals. Works at the direction of the Field Director and Executive Director.

Job Duties
The Political Advocate’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Working with Council staff, offices, and member leaders on electoral, legislative and political initiatives.
• Acting as a contact between the Union and relevant staff leaders of other unions and allied groups to coordinate the Union’s involvement in legislative and electoral coalitions.
• Coordinating the electoral and grassroots lobbying work of other staff and rank-and-file leaders, providing educational materials, training as necessary, and logistical support.
• Promoting Union goals through coalition independent expenditures.
• Participating in contract teams and developing political strategies in support of the Union’s organizing and bargaining efforts; and building ad-hoc coalitions and other community actions to support them.
• Supporting organizers and rank-and-file leaders in meeting the political fundraising goals of the AFSCME PEOPLE program.
• Assessing political propositions and geographical needs.
• Monitoring political and public policy developments and developing options for action.
• Working with AFSCME staff, officers, and members to conduct endorsement interviews
• and make advisory recommendations to the Union’s Executive Board.
• Advocating for bills and other political initiatives in Sacramento.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to relate successfully to individuals of all races, nationalities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, income levels, educational backgrounds, and occupational groups.
• Five years or more successful prior experience in leading grassroots lobbying, electoral field work, community coalition building, or work as a legislative lobbyist or staff person.
• Demonstrated ability to work long hours, independently, under stress and tight timelines.
• Prior union organizing experience and a basic knowledge of labor relations are preferred, but not required.
• Fluency in Spanish as well as English is preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and use of the Internet.
• Must have a car, driver’s license and insurance.
• Overnight travel is occasionally required).

Compensation
Salary range of $78,326.23 – $99,669.03 with generous benefits pursuant to Staff Union contract.

Submit Résumé

AFSCME District Council 36 3375 E. Slauson Avenue Vernon, CA 90058
Email: busoffice@afscme36.org

AFSCME District Council 36 is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.