Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO

Legislative and Political Director

Based in Annapolis, MD

 

Job Location – Annapolis, Maryland
Full-Time In-Person Position
Excellent Benefit Package
Salary: Commensurate with experience, starting at $82,000 – $90,000 (additional car allowance)

The Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO is the umbrella labor organization comprised of more than 700 unions, representing 350,000 union members in the public sector, construction, transportation, education, retail, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, manufacturing and other industries across Maryland and D.C.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO Legislative and Political Director advocates, monitors and evaluates, on a continuing basis, pending legislation at the state level that may impact the labor movement of Maryland and the District of Columbia and coordinates political engagement of our members. The Legislative and Political Director works under the direction of the President and closely with the Legislative and Political staff of our affiliated unions and central labor bodies to advance workers’ rights through legislation and budget advocacy and building worker power. The Legislative and Political Director works on federal issues as needed by the National AFL-CIO and National Affiliates. 

1. Track and analyze impact of legislation, budget proposals, regulations and other state policies on Maryland workers and engage unions and allies. 
2. Staff any assigned bills sponsored, supported or opposed by the State Federation and/or affiliate union.
3. Develop and maintain working relationships with General Assembly members, staff, committee staff and department legislative teams.
4. Coordinate with labor lobbyists to collectively review targeted legislation and create appropriate action plans.
5. Draft bill fact sheets, letters of support or opposition, legislative amendments and other lobbying materials and communications.
6. Convene and coordinate union Labor Lobbyists’ Meetings, annual Legislative Conference and Debriefing Conference.
7. Develop oral and written communication to unions about policy and regulatory issues.
8. Prepare and present written and oral testimony before legislative and administrative bodies.
9. Respond to affiliate unions’ needs for support to advance their legislative priorities.
10. Develop ideas for legislation that strengthen the labor movement.
11. Support strategic planning to ensure the Federation’s legislative and political agenda furthers our organizing goals and broader mission.
12. Build and maintain relationships with union leaders, policymakers, allies and staff.
13. Build and participate in coalitions to advance workers’ rights.
14. Provide staffing support for legislative and political events, receptions, and conferences throughout the year.

PRIMARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have extensive working knowledge of the Maryland General Assembly legislative process and experience with advocating for legislation
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Excellent time management skills are a must. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present detailed information effectively and a proven ability to conceptualize, interpret, and articulate issues and positions or ideas in writing.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize multiple tasks and time sensitive assignments.
• Comfortable and effective with public speaking
• Proven ability to monitor and analyze policy trends, movements and proposed legislation that may positively or negatively affect labor and working families.
• Strong work ethic and strict attention to detail.
• Computer literate with the ability to track bills, maintain spread sheets and create reports 
• Ability to work independently, identify challenges and develop creative solutions, and to remain calm in stressful situations. 
• Flexibility to work occasional long hours and attend evening and weekend meetings and actions.

Successful candidates will exhibit experienced leadership, discerning judgment, exemplary people skills and commitment to empowering workers through collective action and unions. The ideal applicant is a team player who can collaborate with an enthusiastic staff and is a self-driven individual well-versed in time and task management. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Political Science, Public Policy, Labor Studies, Public Administration, Law, Government, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 3 years of substantial experience in legislative work.

COMPENSATION

• Salary Range $82,000–$90,000
• Fully paid comprehensive health care coverage
• Fully paid defined pension with the AFL-CIO
• Paid vacation, sick, holidays, personal leave, bereavement leave, parental leave
• Paid parking
• $600 monthly car allowance for a union made vehicle
• We offer continuous training opportunities with the AFL-CIO and allies.

Additional value of the position is exposure to our national unions, AFL-CIO national elected leaders and staff, congressional and statewide elected officials and the opportunity to every day make a difference in workers' lives.

To Apply:
If you meet the qualifications and are interested in joining our team, please send introductory letter and résumé to dedwards@mddclabor.org.