Michigan AFL-CIO

Field Director

Based in Greater Lansing or Metro Detroit, MI

 

Reports To: Campaigns Director 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Job Type: Full Time (temporary election-cycle position with an anticipated end date of November 30, 2026.) 
Supervisory Responsibility: Yes – oversees staff as assigned 
Work Location: Hybrid (based in Greater Lansing or Metro Detroit) 
Effective Date: October 2025 

OVERVIEW: 
The Field Director is responsible for leading the implementation of all AFL-CIO field activities and programs to advance labor’s goals in Michigan. The Field Director leads the field team within the Campaigns Department which has historically consisted of Organizing Specialists and Training Specialists. 

The Field Director is based in Greater Lansing or Metro Detroit. 

The Field Director will report to the Campaigns Director of the Michigan AFL-CIO. The Field Director’s work plan will be determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO. 

DUTIES: 

• Develop and execute agenda-driving direct member and/or general public contact plans for electoral, issue advocacy, and other campaigns 
• Identify, implement, and test new, effective internal and political organizing tactics and strategies to grow our reach 
• Strategically engage union leaders and activists through meaningful opportunities to participate in our programs 
• Supervise and help develop direct hires within the Department by fostering collaboration, holding them accountable to their work plans and goals, providing regular feedback, and supporting their professional development, all in accordance with Michigan AFL-CIO personnel policies 
• Supervise release staff within the Department when needed 
• Organize and execute visibility events, town halls, volunteer canvassing efforts, local direct actions and other tactics to amplify and elevate our issues 
• Update, monitor, and administer all Department tools, including but not limited to LAN, Action Builder, LUD, VIP/Pilot Light, the Working Families Toolkit, and various trackers and quantitative and qualitative reports 
• Serve in the place of the Campaigns Director as needed 
• Serve in the place of supervisee(s) as needed 

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Strategic Organizing & Campaign Planning 
• Team Leadership & Accountability 
• Stakeholder Engagement & Public Mobilization 
• Data Management & Reporting 
• Commitment to Labor and Social Justice 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in labor studies or political science preferred. 
• 3-5 years of experience in labor or community organizing, or 3-5 years of legislative or electoral campaign experience, including in a management or leadership position 
• Familiarity with and commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor’s goals 
• Strong time management and organizational skills are required, including a demonstrated ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines 
• Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds; the popular / labor education skills necessary to design and lead workshops aimed at leadership and volunteer development; the written communication skills necessary to produce newsletters, leaflets, basic phone and walk scripts, work plans, and project reports 
• Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of e-mail, Zoom, Teams, and Microsoft Office 
• A valid driver’s license, continuous use of a reliable vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and willingness to travel regularly 
• Occasional travel to other parts of the state and/or out-of-state may be necessary. Overnight travel will be infrequent but may be required 
• Long work hours, some holiday work, and frequent participation in evening and weekend activities are required, and attendance at early morning calls or events will be expected 

Compensation: $60,000 – $70,000 salary with a competitive benefits package. 

How to Apply: 
Please submit a résumé and brief cover letter to hr@miwdi.org with subject line “Field Director”. 

Diversity & Equal Opportunity: 
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, Veteran, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Organization: 
The Michigan AFL-CIO is a non-profit federation of more than forty labor unions that represents over 1 million working people across Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families—to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our state and the nation. Employees of the Michigan AFL-CIO may work in collaboration with one, or all, of our affiliated nonprofit organizations in the Federation including: 

Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: our affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy. 

Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation: our affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization established to combat economic and social injustice by connecting the working people with resources within Michigan’s charitable, educational and legal systems. 

Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization established to unite labor leaders, policy makers, and the general public to educate and advocate around policies, programs and projects that can bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.