Job Description

Oregon AFL-CIO

Statewide Political Organizer

Based in Portland, OR

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 300,000 working Oregonians and acts as a voice for the members of over 400 local unions as well as all workers. The team at the State Federation is a progressive, talented, and hard-working group of social justice advocates poised to continue the fight for a fair and more just economy.

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “YES!” then the Oregon AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are part of the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, and the Oregon AFL-CIO team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the Oregon AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee - you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

Who We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for a seasoned campaigner and coalition-builder with experience as a campaign manager, organizer, and/or trainer to support the growth and success of Oregon labor’s political programs in a variety of ways We are especially interested in applicants with experience in union organizing campaigns, community organizing, or political campaigns; recent college grads, grad students, or professionals with skills in areas such as leading campaigns, mobilizing members, managing coalitions, training staff or volunteers; and people with a passion for social and economic justice.

Key Role Responsibilities: 

• In coordination with leadership, the Political and Legislative Department and other staff, this position will be on point to develop, implement, and maintain:
  • An ongoing and year-round program aimed at mobilizing the labor movement around common issues and priorities in targeted regions throughout the state including for local elections, long-term issue campaigns, and state field work
  • A Federation-wide culture of electoral and issue mobilization prioritizing in-state and federal campaigns 
  • A local union coordinator program and monthly table made up of political leads from each individual affiliated union
  • Ongoing union member outreach and mobilization, working closely with chapters and affiliated unions
• Engages with affiliate staff to develop and support campaign goals, strategies, and tactics
• Coordinates with Oregon AFL-CIO and affiliate leadership and key staff to develop and maintain strong relationships and programmatic buy-in
• Develops and implements campaigns around policy objectives in the legislature, administrative arena, or local jurisdictions with active Central Labor Chapters
• Builds effective coalitions with other unions and organizations to achieve programmatic goals 
• Represents the Oregon AFL-CIO and broader labor movement with key allies and partners at various tables and in coalition spaces
• Assists in development of the Oregon AFL-CIO political program
• Develops and implements training programs for members and staff to support the labor movement’s political and mobilization efforts
• Works with Oregon AFL-CIO team and affiliates to accomplish organizational priorities beyond political action and mobilization (including all organizational events, and supporting biennial Convention planning and program)
• Leads Oregon AFL-CIO efforts to support regional Central Labor Chapters and coordinates with other assigned staff members to support their work of building local worker power for regional labor movements
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications and Experience 

• Ability, passion, leadership and creativity to create and drive a political mobilization program with the support of others on staff
• Desire and skills to build relationships with union staff and individual union members to increase mobilization efforts
• Share vision of building a bigger, broader, bolder, and more inclusive labor movement
• Preference for a candidate with at least three years of demonstrated experience on political campaigns, member mobilization, or union organizing campaigns 
• Knowledgeable about historical, current, and evolving electoral and campaign strategies within the labor movement and progressive community aimed at growing worker power and improving the lives of working families 
• A commitment to economic and social justice for all Oregon workers and their families, especially those in historically marginalized communities 
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to distill complex information and draft well-written documents and presentations for a variety of audiences 
• Ability and experience working independently on both short-term and long-term projects 
• Demonstrated ability and experience working collaboratively in team settings, working well under pressure, and managing multiple priorities and projects effectively 
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience working in a coordinating and/or convening role with multiple stakeholders in a political campaign, union organizing, and/or training setting, including union staff/members, and community members
• Proven experience in building relationships with labor leaders, community leaders, and worker advocacy stakeholders
• Ability to manage relationships in complex political and sensitive organizational situations
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships 
• High level of individual motivation, time management, and organizational skills 
• Experience as a lead staff member
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy 
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills 
• Possess a commitment to progressive social change and winning for workers 
• Possess an understanding of the political structure and process in Oregon
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive work environment and culture
• While we strive to maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance, the position may require long and extended hours and some travel as needed.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)/multilingual aptitude preferable but not required 

Pay and Benefits: 
Comprehensive fully paid family healthcare, generous holiday and vacation policies, and a 15% employer-paid defined contribution 401K retirement benefit. Compensation is based on experience (range of $72,711 – $96,721).

This statewide position is full-time, salaried, and is subject to irregular work hours - including late nights, weekends, and holidays - based on organizational needs.

The Oregon AFL-CIO is an equal-opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and people of color candidates, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ folks, people with multilingual skills, disabled folks, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Even if you think you do not meet all of the qualifications listed above, you are still strongly encouraged to apply. 

To Apply:
Please send a résumé, cover letter, three different applicable writing and campaign plan samples, and three professional references to Emily Sahler at emily@oraflcio.org with “ Name - Statewide Political Organizer ” in the subject line. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but the intent is to move as quickly as is practicable to fill the position

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .

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