AFSCME Council 4

Legislative and Political Coordinator

Based in New Britain, CT

 

PURPOSE:
Council 4 seeks a Legislative and Political Coordinator to further our statewide and local political efforts. Legislative and Political Coordinators will lead campaigns around legislative, political and election objectives. This position is designed to support the legislative and political goals set forth by Council 4 leadership. This position will represent the union in community and coalitions campaigns.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with staff, leadership, members and coalition partners to develop policy initiatives.
• Produce timely, relevant, and accurate materials to support the Union’s legislative and political agenda. 
• Draft written testimony, public comments, correspondence, and other materials to promote Council 4’s agenda with policymakers and elected officials. You’re responsible for final product if artificial intelligence is used.
• Draft policy that leads to a long-term plan to improve the lives of our members and residents of Connecticut.
• Draft and execute plans to win campaigns using coalitions, member and community engagement.
• Regularly inform local Presidents, staff, and leadership with updates during legislative session.
• Assist in development of the union’s political program. Oversee endorsement process while keeping staff and local and state President’s informed about endorsements.
• Lobby state and local elected officials and government agencies.
• This is a field staff position will allow staff to flex hours due to weekend and evening responsibilities.
• Mentor lower rank departmental job classes.
• As needed, this position’s responsibilities include any lower rank departmental job classes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years’ experience with member-driven organizations related to legislative and/or political actions.
• Deep knowledge of public policy affecting our members, specifically work in legislative and political organizing.
• Understanding of budgets and the budgeting process at state, local and Board of Education levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse membership.
• Ability to maintain relationships with elected officials and aides.
• Knowledge and understanding of Connecticut political, electoral, and legislative processes.
• Ability to perform and work well under deadlines/pressure. 
• Experience in drafting legislation, coordination of in-the-halls lobbying campaigns and grassroots lobbying campaigns is preferred.
• General knowledge of policy analysis is preferred.
• Must be eligible to become a state lobbyist.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: 
Performs tasks independently, works under the limited supervision of the Council 4 Leadership with guidance from senior departmental staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is generally performed in field setting, such as, an office, state, and municipal building and outside, to include door knocking. Requires travel and a valid driver's license.

Applications:
Applications will be accepted until January 26th at 5:00pm and can be sent to AFSCME Council 4 Deputy Director Zak Leavy at ZLeavy@council4.org. Please include a cover letter along with your résumé.