Ohio Federation of Teachers
Local 8033 AFT, AFL-CIO

Legislative Director

Based in Columbus, OH

 

The Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT)invites qualified candidates to apply for the following position: 

Position: OFT Legislative Director (Full Time)
Preferred Start Date: March 2026
Application Deadline: 

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), Local 8033, is a statewide union representing teachers, paraprofessionals, library workers, public employees, social workers, and other professionals.

Position Summary
The Legislative Director is responsible for developing and advancing the Ohio Federation of Teachers’ state and federal legislative and public policy agenda, aligned with the priorities of the American Federation of Teachers. Representing more than 20,000 members across K–12 education, higher education, healthcare, and public service, the Legislative Director leads advocacy efforts that protect public education, defend workers’ rights, strengthen collective bargaining, and promote racial, social, and economic justice.

This position collaborates closely with OFT and AFT national staff, Ohio labor partners, coalition allies, and OFT affiliates to strengthen power for working people and the communities they serve.

Location: Columbus, OH

Core Responsibilities
Legislative & Policy Strategy

• Develop and implement OFT’s comprehensive state and federal legislative strategy aligned with OFT priorities and policy resolutions.
• Monitor, analyze, and influence legislation, administrative actions, and budget proposals affecting public education, higher education, libraries, labor rights, healthcare, retirement security, and public services.
• Advance proactive policy solutions that promote fully funded public education, amplify educator voices, foster workplace democracy, and ensure equitable access to opportunities.

Advocacy & Government Relations 

• Serve as OFT’s liaison to Ohio legislators, legislative staff, the Governor’s office, state agencies, Ohio’s congressional delegation, and federal partners.
• Coordinate lobbying efforts, including providing testimony, making legislative visits, advocating for budgets, and engaging grassroots supporters.
• Monitor voting records, legislative trends, and policy outcomes to guide OFT’s political, electoral, and endorsement strategies.

Coalition & Movement Leadership

• Represent OFT in the AFL-CIO and with allied statewide coalitions advancing labor, education, healthcare, and human services priorities.
• Provide leadership in coalition efforts supporting retirement security, healthcare access (including Medicaid), higher education, and human services.
• Build strategic partnerships with labor unions, civil rights organizations, education advocates, and community allies to advance shared goals.

Member Engagement & Internal Support

• Collaborate with OFT leadership, staff, and affiliates to ensure legislative priorities align with member needs and lived experiences.
• Offer policy analysis, legislative updates, and advocacy resources to local unions and members.
• Support member-led advocacy by providing training and tools that enable educators and public employees to effectively engage policymakers.

Communications & Strategic Alignment

• Partner with OFT’s President, communications, professional issues, and political staff to translate legislative priorities into clear, values-driven messaging aligned with OFT narratives.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs, testimony, action alerts, and public-facing advocacy materials.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Ohio’s legislative, regulatory, and budget processes, along with an understanding of federal education and labor policies.
• Proven experience in labor, education, public policy, or progressive advocacy.
• Proven ability to develop lasting relationships with policymakers, union leaders, and coalition partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience with legislative testimony and policy analysis.
• Dedication to the mission, values, and organizing principles of the OFT and the broader labor movement.
• A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's degree is preferred.
• Willing to work long, irregular hours.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with or for a labor union, educational organization, or public-sector advocacy group.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining law, public employee retirement systems, and education funding formulas.

BARGAINING UNIT: OFTSU

REPORTS TO: President or designee

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
If interested, please EMAIL (preferred) or MAIL your cover letter, résumé, and professional references (three minimum) to: 

Ohio Federation of Teachers
ATTN: OFT Human Resources
Email: jjones@oft-aft.org

Ohio Federation of Teachers
1251 E Broad St
Columbus, OH 43205
ATTN: OFT Human Resources

Salary commensurate with experience. Minimum salary $56,666. This position is a bargaining unit position with the OFT Staff Union.

The Ohio Federation of Teachers is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, people of color, and LGBTQ candidates to apply.