AFSCME District Council 36

Political Director

Based in Los Angeles, 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 1.3 million members and an overall representation of more than 1.8 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 25,000 public sector workers in 70+ Local Unions. Members in affiliated Local Unions work for county governments, cities, courts, school districts, special governmental districts, transportation agencies and non-profit agencies.

Position Overview:
The Political Director will lead the union’s political strategy, overseeing legislative advocacy, electoral campaigns, and member engagement initiatives. The Political Director supervises political staff who work to execute program campaigns and priorities of the department. The Political Director works under the supervision of the Executive Director. This role involves close collaboration with union leadership, staff, and community allies to advance policies that benefit working people and strengthen the labor movement.

Campaign Strategy & Implementation
Develop and execute comprehensive political campaigns, including legislative advocacy, electoral efforts, and issue-based initiatives.
Coordinate with internal teams to align political activities with broader union goals, ensuring cohesive strategies across organizing and bargaining efforts.
Manage campaign budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring efficient and effective use of union assets.

Legislative & Electoral Advocacy
Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation affecting workers, providing timely updates and strategic recommendations to union leadership.
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, and political allies to advocate for pro-worker policies.
Oversee the union’s political action committee (PAC), ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and effective use of resources.

Member Engagement & Mobilization
Lead efforts to educate and engage union members on political issues, fostering a culture of activism and participation.
Organize and mobilize members for political actions, including rallies, phone banks, and canvassing efforts.
Develop training programs to build political leadership within the membership, empowering workers to take on advocacy roles.

Coalition Building & Community Relations
Establish and nurture partnerships with community organizations, faith groups, and other labor unions to build broad-based support for political campaigns.
Represent the union in coalitions and at public events, articulating the union’s positions and objectives.
Coordinate joint actions and campaigns with allied organizations to amplify impact.

Communications & Messaging
Collaborate with the communications team to develop and disseminate political messaging, including press releases, social media content, and campaign materials.
Serve as a spokesperson for the union on political matters, engaging with media and public audiences to promote the union’s agenda.
Monitor public opinion and media coverage, adjusting strategies as needed to maintain a positive public image.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in political organizing, campaign management, or legislative advocacy, preferably within a labor or progressive political context.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Labor Relations, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of legislative processes and political systems at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement multiple strategic political campaigns.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and media relations.
  • Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
  • Experience in staff supervision and team leadership.
  • Proficiency with political data tools (e.g., VAN, NGP) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Personal Attributes:

• Deep commitment to social justice and the labor movement.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Frequent travel within Southern California and occasional out-of-state travel.
• Office environment with opportunities for fieldwork and community engagement.

Compensation:
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, car allowance, retirement plan, and paid leave.

To Apply:
Apply by sending résumé and cover letter to: busoffice@afscme36.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary Range: $104,132.56 – $148,349.91