Colorado AFL-CIO

Political Director

Based in Denver, CO

 

The Colorado AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 130,000 working Coloradans and acts as a voice for the members of over 185 local unions as well as all workers. We are dedicated to organizing working people throughout Colorado to secure and protect dignity and equality, rights and benefits, and to uplift the standard of living and quality of life for all working people and their families. The team at the State Federation is a principled, talented, and hard-working group of worker advocates poised to continue the fight for a fair and more just economy. 

Who We’re Looking For: 
We’re looking for a passionate electoral politics professional with significant, demonstrated leadership and campaign experience to design and execute the Colorado AFL-CIO’s electoral and issue mobilization program, with an emphasis on centering and engaging union members. The ideal candidate for the position will have senior level leadership experience in political campaigns with a labor union or association, non-profit community organization or elected official.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of the Colorado AFL-CIO’s political program, including the development and implementation of comprehensive political plans and budgets; candidate recruitment, interviewing, and endorsement processes; coordination and alignment of affiliate union small-donor committee spending; voter engagement and turnout efforts; volunteer canvass programs; phone banking; compliance with legal and reporting requirements; internal communications; and tracking and reporting on political progress.
• Organize and coordinate affiliate unions and partners around the Colorado AFL-CIO’s political program.
• Build and strengthen the political capacity of affiliated unions by supporting the mobilization of activists and the execution of effective political and electoral campaigns.
• Integrate political strategy into affiliate union contract campaigns and organizing efforts to build support, including coordination of rallies, press events, and other targeted political activities.
• Identify, recruit, train, and support union members seeking election to local and state public offices.
• Provide assistance and strategic support to Colorado Area Labor Federations and Central Labor Councils in the development and implementation of city and county-level political programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular labor roundtables with statewide elected officials and Colorado’s congressional delegation.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the biennial Colorado AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE) Convention.
• Identify community, political, and civic organizations that share the values and interests of the Colorado AFL-CIO, and develop and implement effective outreach, engagement, and coalition-building strategies with these allies.
• Represent the Colorado AFL-CIO in coalition spaces and at meetings with key allies and partners, including Colorado Labor Action, advancing shared priorities and strategic objectives.
• Serve as a member of the staff leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of the organization in alignment with policies and priorities established by the elected Executive Board.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of three years of senior-level leadership experience in political campaigns within a labor union or association, nonprofit or community-based organization, or in service to an elected official/campaign.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing legislative, electoral, mobilization, political, organizing, and/or issue-based campaigns at the state level.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience developing and implementing multi-year plans to build programmatic strength and organizational capacity.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and develop comprehensive campaign plans, work plans, and performance goals.
• Highly developed planning, self-motivation, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to receive feedback constructively and to provide feedback effectively and respectfully.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse range of colleagues, leaders, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Sound political judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex political dynamics.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in politically sensitive, fast-paced, and high-pressure environments.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and support teams within charged political environments.
• Strong conflict resolution skills, with the ability to manage and resolve internal and external conflicts while maintaining productive and respectful relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and contribute effectively to teams in both leadership and support roles.
• Knowledge of the national, state, and local structures of the labor movement.
• A demonstrated commitment to building power for working people and a willingness to engage in a broad range of activities in support of that mission.
• Proficiency in data management and the use of data to support political and organizing work.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel frequently within Colorado, with occasional travel outside the state.
• Ability and willingness to work extended and irregular hours as required by campaign and organizational needs.

Pay and Benefits:
Comprehensive fully paid family healthcare, generous holiday and vacation policies, and fully employer-paid defined benefit pension plan. Compensation is based on experience (range of $85,000 – $115,000).

This position is full-time, salaried, and is subject to irregular work hours - including late nights, weekends, and holidays - based on organizational needs. 

The Colorado AFL-CIO is an equal-opportunity employer. Black, indigenous, people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ folks, people with multilingual skills, disabled folks, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Even if you think you do not meet all of the qualifications listed above, you are still strongly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply
Please send a résumé, cover letter, three professional references, and a sample of your writing, which may include a campaign plan, campaign brief, political report, or similar documents to Josh Obie at: jobie@coaflcio.org, with “Name - Political Director” in the subject line. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but the intent is to move as quickly as is practicable to fill the position.