Political & Communications Director

We are currently looking to hire a Political & Communications Director. If you have the qualifications and experience we are requesting for this position, please apply and our HR Director will be in contact with you.

We are a labor organization representing diverse industries of workers throughout New York and New Jersey. Our organization employs dedicated, determined and passionate advocates, who, together, make a significant impact in the lives of our members through direct communication, education and legislative advocacy.

In summary, this is a critical role both internally and externally with room for growth. Through a team-based approach, reporting to the President and Assistant to the President, the Political & Communications Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, monitoring, and and administrating a variety of assignments associated with the union’s political and legislative activities, and manages key internal and external communications, as well the union’s core programs.

Primary Responsibilities will include:

•                    Develops, coordinates and monitors legislative efforts with local, state, and federal elected officials and agencies to achieve the organization’s policy agenda.

•                    Builds and sustains relationships with key government agencies, and elected officials throughout the region.

•                    Develops relevant memos, policy documents, and other communications materials to support legislative and political goals.

•                    Responds to inquiries from elected officials, policy makers, coalition partners, and community stakeholders.

•                    Serves as liaison for the union with various area labor bodies, including the Long Island Federation of Labor and the New York City Central Labor Council.

•                    Represents the organization at political and community events, in coalitions, rallies, press conferences etc., ensuring full knowledge/awareness of the subject matter.

•                    Manages the union’s legislative and political compliance with appropriate city and state agencies.

•                    Manages Local 338’s contract lobbyists.

•                    Support all political activities, including the union’s endorsement process, as well as developing and implementing the union’s get out the vote efforts.

•                    Advise and support union field staff who will engage and mobilize members related to all political and legislative engagement.

•                    Manages maintenance of internal member/voter database.

•                    Supervises the union’s communications team that manages internal and external communications, including press, public website and social media, as well as communications to union members.

•                    Works in collaboration with other departments to assist and where assigned, manage/implement a variety of the union’s core programs and special projects.

•                    Manages a small communications team, along with the union’s seasonal political internship program.

•                    Other duties may be assigned.

Required skills:

·        Role requires evening and weekends during peak political times, as well as travel during legislative sessions. 

·        Expert community/political consensus building and decision-making skills.

·        Demonstrable understanding of local, state, and federal legislative and political processes.

·        Detail oriented, organized, and an ability to coordinate timely and effective responses to correspondence.

·        Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.

·        Proficiency in Microsoft office applications, as well as VAN.

·        An ability to learn quickly and to self-educate on a wide array of issues and topics.

·        Ability research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

·        While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Background in one or more of the following areas: government relations, legislative affairs, political affairs, or working in an elected official’s office or government agency. Minimum five years of related experience.

·        Supervisory experience preferred.

·        Ideal candidate will have some experience working with labor unions, although this is not required.

·        Bi-lingual Spanish speaking highly desirable

·        Must possess a valid state driver’s license

Compensation includes full benefits package and salary range based on experience $120,000 - $140,00. To apply, submit cover letter and resume sdiohresources@gmail.com