Company: Massachusetts AFL-CIO

Job description:

The role of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is to serve as the unified voice of all organized workers in the Commonwealth and to be a voice for all working people, those in unions and those not yet organized. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families – by working for economic, social, and racial justice in the workplace, in our communities, our state, and in our nation. Our vision is of a fair and just society that benefits all working people, not a system that’s rigged in favor of the wealthy few. 

 

Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the Legislative Director is responsible for managing and creating the overall state and local policy agenda and a unified campaign around it; working with affiliates to plan and draft legislation and regulations; managing ongoing and ad hoc legislative task forces and subcommittees; monitoring state bills that impact working people in Massachusetts, and ensuring the overall success of the legislative program of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and our affiliated unions.   

 

DUTIES

 

  • Direct the Massachusetts AFL-CIO legislative program, including working with affiliate unions and allies to create a unified legislative agenda, coordination with affiliate legislative agents and coalition partners to advance shared legislative goals, track and provide testimony on appropriate bills – both in support of and opposition to, and direct lobbying of, elected officials at all levels of government.
  • Serve as lead lobbyist for the state federation to engage with lawmakers, legislative staff, and Executive Branch officers on legislation, policy, and regulatory matters.
  • Direct the administration of labor-vote tracking and evaluation systems for lawmakers.
  • Manage the organizational and all lobbying accounts for the organization registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Oversee and direct staff to implement the legislative strategic plan including member engagement and lobbying activities aimed at building the grassroots mobilization capacity of affiliates in various geographical regions of the state, including work with individual locals and Central Labor Councils. 
  • Plan, coordinate, and conduct educational and training activities and materials aimed at increasing grassroots participation in legislative advocacy. 
  • Ensure representation of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO on coalitions engaged in policy work to advance legislative and policy goals.
  • Work with the President, Secretary-Treasurer, Chiefs of Staff and Operations, Political Director, and Executive Council to develop and implement strategy for the labor federation’s role in political elections for state elected offices, including constitutional offices, state legislators, and candidates for Congress, aimed at promoting pro-worker, pro-union candidates for office and building long-term power of Massachusetts unions to level the playing field for working families. 
  • Direct state federation participation in ballot initiatives. 
  • Support affiliate unions and allied organizations in their missions to represent working people. Activities may include, but are not limited to: strike and emergency union support, support for organizing drives or ongoing campaigns, facilitating meetings or events with unions and elected officials, and generally supporting a stronger Massachusetts Labor Movement. 
  • Other related duties as needed.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • At least 5 years relevant experience as a legislative agent, staffer, or lobbyist in electoral campaigns, political/legislative advocacy, and union leadership/organizing. 
  • Dynamic interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships with diverse constituencies. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience managing or directing other staff or interns preferred.
  • Knowledge of labor unions and the Massachusetts labor movement structure.
  • Willingness to travel within Massachusetts (driver’s license and access to car required).
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and be available to respond to issues on nights and weekends as needed.
  • Willingness to work evenings or weekends, when needed, and at times long hours
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a strong team environment.
  • Ability to implement a strategic program and plan while coordinating with other staff and outside partners. 
  • A commitment to building a strong labor movement dedicated to economic, social, and racial justice. 
  • Strong computer skills. 

The office is located in downtown Boston and in-office attendance is mandatory for at least 3 days per week. Position requires frequent travel within the state and occasional travel outside of New England. Hours may vary due to legislative and political calendars.

Grade One bargaining unit position with OPEIU Local 6, with an annual starting salary between $90,000 – $115,000, commensurate with experience. Includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer-paid Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care Plan, Dental Plan, and Vision Plan; a defined-benefit pension; 401(k) with employer match, and generous paid time off. 

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter, along with a 1-2 page writing sample related to government, elections, or policy to Ryan Murphy, Chief of Operations, at rmurphy@massaflcio.org. No phone calls will be accepted. 

Deadline to apply is November 9th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Job type: Full Time
Fully remote: Hybrid
Salary range: $90,000 – $115,000

Location: Boston Massachusetts

Apply: rmurphy@massaflcio.org