United Food and Commercial Workers

Deputy Legislative Director
Legislative and Political Action Department

Based in Washington DC,
near Metro (on-site)
ufcw.org

 

Organization:
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:
Washington DC, near Metro (on-site)

Position Description:
Represents the UFCW on policy and legislative matters at the Federal, State and Municipal levels. Supervises the UFCW State Legislative operation under the direction of the Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• Assist the Legislative Director in developing plans and process for division work at the Federal, State and Municipal level.
• Work with Members of Congress, Federal agencies, Governors, and State and City Elected officials
• Supervise professional staff as assigned, including, but not limited to: recommending and approving of schedules, travel assignments, evaluating job performance and issuing work assignments.
• Provide strategic and policy support to UFCW local offices, state federations, allied organizations, and progressive state legislators as they work to pass a working families’ legislative agenda and defeat anti-worker bills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, in both a lead and a support role.
• Organize time efficiently and delivers accurate work product under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate superior attention to detail.
• Responds orally and in writing to government officials, union officers, local union representatives, and partners.
• Attends and represents the UFCW at conferences and meetings as well as at seminars and training programs for union officers, staff, or members on legislative issues. Prepare for and attend meetings, congressional hearings, conferences, and other legislative events.
• Extensive travel and long/irregular hours required, including nights and weekends in performance of the duties of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, History, Communications or related field (or equivalent related experience) and at least eight years of substantial experience in legislative work or issue campaigns. Experience developing and analyzing policy required. Previous experience in the labor movement is desirable.
• Must have extensive working knowledge of the legislative process at all levels. Must be knowledgeable of Capitol Hill and congressional processes. Must have knowledge of State and Local legislative processes Must have a commitment to advancing UFCW values, missions and goals.

Communication Skills
Exceptional analytical, research, writing and oral communications skills. Must be able to articulate legislative concepts and complex issues tactfully and effectively to a variety of audiences.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Effective time management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust tone, arguments and strategy for a variety of audiences and changing demands.
• Must be able to analyze and interpret legislative and regulatory proposals and develop strategies to influence appropriate government agencies and Congress.

Personal Characteristics
Requires strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with elected union officers and staff, with government officials and others on behalf of the UFCW, sometimes concerning highly charged and important legislative and political issues

Job Demands
Ability to work in a fast-paced and intense office environment. Ability to constantly stay fully informed about legislation relating to labor issues and legislators’ views on issues important to labor. Must be able to field and respond quickly to requests for information from union officers or representatives. Long and often irregular hours. Extensive travel required.

Working Conditions

• The work is performed in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Attendance at meetings or events off-site and after normal working hours sometimes required.
• The work atmosphere is fast-paced and deadline-oriented.

Physical Demands
The position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communications skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.

COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $105,000 – $122,000.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration: 
This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled.     

Vaccination Requirement: The UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé to: humanresources@ufcw.org    

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer.
Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.