The Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation is seeking applicants for the position of Political Organizer (download PDF job description). This full-time opportunity will remain posted until filled.

Political Organizer Job Description

The Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation (SPRLF) is a key part of the nation’s largest and strongest labor federation, the AFL-CIO, which unites more than 12 million working people.  The SPRLF brings together more than 100 affiliate unions, representing over 50,000 union members who live or work in Ramsey, Washington, Dakota and Chisago counties.  Elected officers and professional staff members support political, organizing and issue-oriented campaigns by mobilizing – and growing – a network of committed union volunteers with the goal of bringing economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our region, state and the nation.

The Political Organizer working for the SPRLF carries out the important work of developing and implementing electoral, legislative and issue campaigns that advance the goals of organized labor in coordination with SPRLF affiliate unions, the Minnesota AFL-CIO and the national AFL-CIO.  The Political Organizer builds union activism, local capacity and support for organizing by mobilizing affiliate unions and union volunteers and coordinating the work of county-level labor assemblies.  They establish and maintain relationships with like-minded community organizations and elected officials, with the goal of advancing policies that benefit workers in our region.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a creative self-starter who is mission-driven and detail-oriented.  They will be an experienced campaign manager who works effectively with volunteers and stakeholders.  They will be able to communicate effectively, both as a public speaker and in writing.  They will know how to manage projects, set and reach goals and meet deadlines within the context of a project plan.  The candidate will be comfortable working with diverse communities in a fast-paced, and at times high-pressure, work environment.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the goals of organized labor.

Candidates must be able to work evenings and weekends.  They must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.  This full-time position is in the IAMAW Local Lodge 459 bargaining unit. Compensation is $45,000 per year.  Medical, dental and life insurance are provided.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Hold one-on-one organizing conversations with local union leaders, staff and activists
• Develop and implement strategic campaign plans
• Organize member mobilization for political campaigns, including but not limited to door knocks, phone banks and earned media opportunities, including press conferences, town hall meetings, rallies, and other grassroots activities
• Recruit, train and activate activists and volunteers for organizational, political and legislative mobilizations
• Build and maintain strategic and mutually beneficial relationships between the SPRLF and allied community groups
• Develop and manage all aspects of SPRLF electoral, legislative and issue campaigns plans
• Coordinate candidate screenings and the endorsement process for the SPRLF and facilitate the endorsement process for the Minnesota AFL-CIO when appropriate
• Support Labor Assemblies by scheduling meetings, preparing materials, completing relevant tasks and maintaining assembly records
• Assist affiliate unions with special projects as needed
• Complete administrative tasks as necessary in a timely manner.  This involves maintaining clear records and submitting required reports using proscribed systems, including the Labor Action Network (LAN), and complying with all protocols related to the use of LAN data.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate
• Minimum two-years union, political or community organizing campaign experience
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Labor Action Network (LAN) or Voter Action Network (VAN)
• Ability to work independently, with proven success managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines
• Flexible, creative and hard-working
• Ability to motivate and activate others
• Ability to work in a cooperative manner
• Ability to listen and problem-solve
• Demonstrated volunteer-management experience
• Ability to work with racially and culturally diverse communities

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum two-years post-secondary education in a related field
• Experience managing electoral and issue-advocacy campaigns with diverse stakeholders
• In-depth experience in one or more of the following fields: union organizing, worksite organizing, community organizing, public policy or civic engagement
• Fluency in a language other than English

To Apply

Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.  Send résumé and cover letter to Kera Peterson, kpeterson [at] stpaulunions [dot] org.  Position open until filled.

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