MAPE
Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

Political Affairs Coordinator

Based in Shoreview, MN

 

The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) is a labor union representing more than 16,500 professionals employed by various agencies across the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. MAPE is currently recruiting for a Political Affairs Coordinator position to help build a powerful organization that workers want to belong to; that can take bold, collective action; and be grounded in democratic, member-driven principles.

We are looking for applicants who are energetic and committed to supporting our members and their work. You would be joining a team with a strong track record in advocacy and political organizing; a commitment to building relationships and leadership development; as well as the ability to work with members and coalitions to improve lives for all Minnesotans.

To Apply:
To be considered, qualified candidates must submit a résumé, cover letter detailing experience in each of the key duty areas outlined in the position description, and three references no later than October 10, 2023 to: jobs@mape.org.

Devin Bruce
3460 Lexington Avenue N #300
Shoreview, MN 55126

The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this position.

This position is represented by OPEIU Local 12.

Classification title: Political Affairs Coordinator
Working title: Same as above
Salary range: 14L- 19L
Job type: Full-time
Reports to: Director of Legislative and Political Affairs
Travel: Some travel required
Date of revision: September 5, 2023

POSITION PURPOSE: The Political Affairs Coordinator is responsible for coordinating legislative and political solutions at the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees. Taking direction from the Director of Legislative and Political Affairs, the Political Affairs Coordinator is accountable for the following duties and responsibilities, listed in no particular order of importance: (i) legislative advocacy, (ii) political organizing, (iii) communications support, and (iv) other related tasks as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Legislative Advocacy: The Political Affairs Coordinator is responsible for providing legislative support to the Director of Legislative and Political Affairs. Specific duties include:
   1. Tracking legislative developments and formulating strategy.
   2. Lobbying legislators on MAPE issues and initiatives.
   3. Providing regular legislative reports and recommendations.
   4. Serving as a MAPE representative to assigned coalitions.
   5. Working with field staff for recruiting and promoting member participation in legislative affairs.
   6. Providing member-to-legislator outreach for assistance in carrying out MAPE’s political and legislative agendas.
   7. Testifying before legislative committees when necessary.
   8. Working with Communications department to develop member stories for legislative advocacy.
   9. Working with staff and political council to coordinate in-district legislative meetings and actions.
2. Political Organizing: The Political Affairs Coordinator is charged with coordinating MAPE’s political action program. Specific duties include:
   • Coordinating the electoral and political work of members, volunteers, and staff.
   • Directing and carrying out MAPE’s political plans and initiatives, including but not limited to, organizing candidate screenings and endorsements, recruiting MAPE members to take part in election activities, and supporting endorsed candidates by through participating in direct voter contact events.
   • Providing political education and training for members and staff.
   • Working as liaison between the political, field, and communications staff to facilitate MAPE’s political activities.
   • Tracking political developments and formulating strategy.
   • Promoting member involvement in political affairs.
   • Tracking member and staff political involvement using the VAN and UnionWare.
   • Preparing reports and tracking political expenditures as necessary.
   • Representing MAPE at coordinated partner tables.
3. Communications Support: The Political Affairs Coordinator is expected to provide strategic communications support. Specific duties include:
   • Assisting the Public Relations Coordinator with media relations requests impacting or related to MAPE’s political or legislative initiatives.
   • Providing the Communications Coordinator with social media content related to political or legislative activities or priorities important to MAPE members.
   • Assisting the Communications Coordinator on internal communication and research.
   • Using member data for the purposes of targeted communication.
   • Participating in the development of a communications strategy for legislative and political initiatives.
   • Provide updates and share story ideas with communications team for inclusions in MAPE newsletter.
4. Other Related Tasks: The Political Affairs Coordinator is expected to carry out numerous related tasks. Specific duties include:
   • Collaborating with staff to carry out initiatives outlined in the MAPE strategic plan.
   • Acting as an advisor and coordinator for the Political Council and MAPE PAC.
   • Collaborating with staff on various projects.
   • Coordinating and scheduling appointments for MAPE Lobby Day.
   • Working on special projects as assigned.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW: The performance of the Political Affairs Coordinator will be reviewed annually by the Director of Legislative and Political Affairs. The purpose of the performance review will be twofold: (i) to agree to a set of concrete goals and (ii) to assess the extent to which goals from the previous performance review have been achieved. Performance targets should be based on the responsibilities and duties articulated in this position description.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: The ideal candidate for the post of Political Affairs Coordinator must:

• Possess a bachelor's degree in any field and 3+ years of relevant work experience.
• Have documented successes in the areas of legislative advocacy and political action.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the legislative process, unions, the public sector, and political campaigns.
• Demonstrate superior problem-solving skills and professionalism.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and in a team.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize in a multi-tasking environment.

N.B.: The goals and work activities listed in this position description are intended to describe the essential functions of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

We are looking for a Political Affairs Coordinator who will build power in the union through legislative and political advocacy and leadership development; recruit for actions through relational organizing; and lead successful legislative and electoral campaigns. Other duties include: research and policy development; lobbying at the Capitol; representing MAPE’s interests at partner tables and coalitions; supporting and advising member committees on political strategy and current affairs; internal organizing; collaborating with staff and members to promote membership, member education, and legislative/political/issue action; and other related tasks as assigned.

The successful applicant must have relevant work experience. Preference given to applicants with: Bachelor’s degree; documented successes in the areas of lobbying and political organizing; leadership development; and experience working with labor unions. Applicants must possess superior communication skills, problem-solving abilities, be able to work independently and within a team, and be willing to be flexible.

Starting salary on the 14L State wage scale ($63,788 – 94,002) and a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental and life insurance; holidays, sick and vacation leave and contributions to MSRS -- the Minnesota State Retirement System.

This position is hybrid eligible, with part being telecommute (work-from-home) and some requirements for in-person meetings at the MAPE office in Shoreview, regularly at the Capitol during session, and in the field for electoral activities.