United Food and Commercial Workers

Senior Political Coordinator - Region 4
Legislative and Political Action Department

Based in Erlanger, KY; Louisville, KY; Cleveland, OH; 
Cincinnati, OH Metro Area; Columbus, OH; Detroit, MI Metro Area
ufcw.org

 

Organization:
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:
Erlanger, KY
Louisville, KY
Cleveland, OH
Cincinnati, OH Metro Area
Columbus, OH
Detroit, MI Metro Area

Position Description: 
The Senior Political Coordinator, in coordination with local unions, is responsible for building out electoral, legislative, fundraising and activist programs under the direction of the Director. 

The Senior Political Coordinator also assesses candidate viability, priority races, and meets with potential candidates to ensure they understand UFCW’s issues in collaboration with local unions. This position is also assigned to work with locals on building out their electoral programs and legislative priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• Writes thorough state electoral plans for targeted local unions and races, as well as keeps up to date on competitive races in their assigned region to provide analysis on fundraising, polling, relevant campaign issues and endorsements.
• Works closely with local unions on priorities including low-dollar fundraising, running member-to-member electoral and legislative campaigns, engaging in federal grassroots and grasstops legislative campaigns and other priorities as assigned.
• Executes the International Union’s program priorities in their assigned region. Responsible for running a multifaceted program in multiple states that will include canvassing, worksite organizing, voter registration in collaboration with phone banking, and peer-to-peer texting and social media outreach. This encompasses building out a work management system in multiple states which allows for timely reporting and a field feedback loop.
• Works with rank-and-file member organizers to run electoral programs in targeted states. Responsible for running well-organizing onboarding, regular 

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related field or equivalent related experience. Minimum of 3 years in grassroots organizing experience with a labor or progressive organization required. Minimum of four to six years’ experience, ideally in a labor organization with fundraising and/or political organizing experience. 

Computer/Software Skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and ability to use all functions in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Ability to put together comprehensive reports in Excel and written reports without errors or typos. Experience using online databases like NGP-VAN for analysis, virtual phone banks canvasses and activist engagement. Must be able to review documents like mail and digital content for messaging and ensure that the content is factual. Must be comfortable resolving minor tech issues with iPhones, tablets and laptops.

Communication, Analytical and Leadership Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Must be able to work with discretion, handle sensitive situation and recognize when to refer to a higher level. Must be able to work with people from different aspects of political work, Presidential candidates and staff, local union presidents and staff, as well as rank and file members. Must demonstrate strong technical, policy, analytical and strategic abilities, and skills. Must be able to make effective oral presentations to groups or individuals. Must be able to take critical feedback and improve work products on a consistent basis with accuracy. Must have ability to adapt to the best way to reach out to specific local union contacts.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Must have strong written and oral skills. Must be able to write documents without typos and keep in mind audience needs. 
• Must be able to present information to union audiences in a clear, concise way that connects on the issues UFCW members care about.
• Must have an understanding of FEC laws and regulations concerning PAC and their interactions with state election and financial disclosure laws. Must be able to quickly learn their interaction with labor organizations.
• Must have an understanding of Federal Campaign Finance and experience researching state and local campaign finance laws.
• Must have the ability to work independently. Must have initiative.
• Must have the ability to canvass and run a canvass.
• Demonstrated understanding of the labor movement and culture.
• Multilingual speaking ability is a plus.

Personal Characteristics
Commitment and dedication to the UFCW’s mission to fighting for our members. 

Job Demands
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Must be able to handle multiple priorities and work projects for completion in a timely manner. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to respond to emails, texts and phone calls in a timely manner. Work requires long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Extensive travel required across the U.S. in both planes and cars. Ability to perform long-term assignments for weeks or months at a time.

Working Conditions
The work is performed in a normal office environment or may be performed at various designated work locations throughout the United States. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Attendance at meetings or events off-site and after normal working hours is often required. The work atmosphere is fast-paced and deadline-oriented.

Physical Demands
The position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communications skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching. Covering extensive geographic areas on foot for canvassing.

COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $66,931 – $84,445.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration: 
This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled.     

Vaccination Requirement: The UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé to: humanresources@ufcw.org

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer.
Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.