UAW
United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement
Workers of America International Union
 

Assistant Director
Community Action Program (CAP) Department

Based in Washington, DC

 

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is a 400,000-member-strong, progressive, fighting union with one of the largest and most diverse memberships in North America. Our members are employed in a range of workplaces, from multinational corporations to small manufacturers, state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals, and private non-profit organizations.

The UAW has the unique opportunity to return to our position as the leader of the labor movement, by once again projecting an advanced social vision that unites working class communities across the country and advance legislation that will uplift millions. 

The UAW is seeking experienced candidates who share our ambition for big, bold campaigns to apply for the position of Community Action Program (CAP) Assistant Director. CAP is the UAW’s Political Department. Candidates should be skilled at building and implementing bold campaign strategies and have a passion for coaching UAW staff and leaders on strategies needed to win on our core issues and campaigns. 

Job Description & Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the strategic planning of the Department. 
  • Play a senior role in shaping key programs and long-term planning for the National CAP Department and UAW’s growing political power. 
• Direct and manage 2026 campaign plans for key issue campaigns, federal races, and state-level races. 
  • Qualified candidates will have experience managing large labor and/or political campaigns, including designing and executing a campaign plan, establishing a large budget, managing field staff and training volunteer leaders, targeting voters for persuasion and turnout efforts, and overseeing outside consultants handling digital advertising, direct mail, and paid phone programs. 
• Design and implement member-to-member field and paid media programs. 
  • Experience managing labor union issue advocacy campaigns that conduct member-to-member communications and direct outreach at the workplace, including setting up phone and text banks, managing data returned, and adjusting the program to meet goals. 
• Create and implement training materials and curriculum. 
  • Experience training union members and volunteers on key field and campaign tactics. Experience creating distributed training and organizing plans to achieve a campaign or union’s campaign goals in an electoral campaign, organizing campaign, or issue campaign.
• Oversee the selection of vendors and management of vendors. 
  • Qualified candidates will have experience managing and overseeing large groups of outside vendors, including knowledge of a Request for Proposal process to identify the best vendors for the UAW. 
• Manage regional and in-state staff to support campaign program goals. 
  • Experience managing large teams working remotely on joint program goals, including member-to-member and public voter contact programs, as well as using goals to increase and monitor program performance. 
• Communicate effectively by phone and email with all Regions/Departments.
• Facilitate communication between departments to streamline processes and resolve issues.
• Assist in the work of major conferences, conventions, and events requiring the Dept’s role. 

Job Requirements (Knowledge, Experience, and Skills)

• Experience with modern data and voter/member contact tools such as: NGP VAN/LAN or other voter contact database programs, and member contact tools such as Spoke, ThruTalk, etc. is strongly preferred. 
• Experience building rigorous and thorough field budgets that includes key aspects such as cost per dial, cost per mail piece, etc. 
• Experience managing large teams working remotely on joint program goals, including member-to-member and public voter contact programs, as well as using goals to increase and monitor program performance. 
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Must align with UAW principles and policies, maintaining a high level of integrity and ethical transparency. 
• Ability to handle and manage large projects. 
• Proven experience developing, facilitating and leading trainings. 
• At least seven years of leadership experience. Experience directly supervising a team or others highly desired. 
• Ability to problem solve, identify challenges, and develop solutions independently. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required. 
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Flexible and open to change.
• Comfortable and can learn multiple internal systems. 
• Ability to manage, direct, and motivate support staff respectfully and positively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present detailed information effectively.
• Proficient with data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Be able to effectively liaise with departmental staff, Regions, and local union leaders.
• Ability to work independently and manage time and priorities is a necessity.
• Flexibility to work long hours, including nights and weekends.

Successful candidates will exhibit experienced leadership, discerning judgment, and exemplary people skills. The ideal applicant is a team player who can collaborate with an enthusiastic staff and a self-driven individual versed in time and task management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or requirements associated with the role. 

Salary and Benefits
This is a full time, exempt position based in Washington, DC. Possibility of hybrid or other location for the right candidate. The UAW offers a competitive salary along with best-in-class health, retirement, and paid time off benefits. Relocation may be available. 

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please provide the following: 

• Applicants must submit a résumé, a letter of interest (cover letter) to: recruiting@uaw.net. 
• Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience and training make you a good fit for this position. 

The UAW is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that our collective strength is amplified when all voices are represented. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.