Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

Political Director

Based in Houston, TX

 

The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation (TGCALF), AFL-CIO — an alliance of 75 unions representing 60,000 union members in the Houston region — seeks an experienced political campaign leader to serve as its Political Director (PD).

The PD's primary responsibility is to lead the federation's electoral and political mobilization program — building the field infrastructure, voter mobilization programs, and candidate pipeline to elect labor-endorsed champions to local, state, and federal office across multiple Houston-area counties. The role also oversees the communications work that fuels these political and policy campaigns. The ideal candidate has led electoral field programs and campaign operations at scale, and brings an economic justice-oriented policy background. The PD reports to the TGCALF's Executive Director and works closely with union affiliates.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Political & Electoral Mobilization (app. 70% time)

• Coordinate member-driven candidate interview and endorsement process.
• Work with affiliated unions to increase voter registration rates of union members
• Plan, coordinate, and manage political program to increase turnout of union households for
• labor-endorsed candidates at the local, state, and federal levels across multiple Houston-area counties.
  • Plan and lead execution of direct voter contact program, including voter targeting and data management in VAN, canvassing, worksite communication, phone and text banking, mail, digital advertising, and other voter engagement tools.
  • Build electoral program budgets and track and report on cash flow.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise member volunteers, paid field staff, and released union staff.
  • Coordinate the federation's political program with the state and federal AFL-CIO, and with campaigns, parties, PACs, and other labor and community allies, where legally permitted.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage the federation's Independent Expenditure and/or PAC field program, aimed at voters not currently in unions — including fundraising, hiring, training, managing field staff, and compliance reporting.
• Identify, recruit, and train union members to run for office.
• Run candidate academies for potential and endorsed candidates.
• Design and run political education programs to deepen union members’ understanding of politics, legislative issues, and the legislative process.

Communications and Outreach Support for Political and Other Programs (app. 30% time)

• Provide communications support for the federation's political, legislative, organizing, and other campaigns. Self-provide, coordinate consultants, and/or supervise staff to provide:
  • Rapid-response and campaign copy: media advisories, releases, talking points, and emails
  • Earned media outreach to build visibility for federation's political and policy work.
  • Mail, canvass materials, graphics, and digital ads
  • A consistent, engaging presence on the federation's social channels and website
• Coordinate political field activities in support of the federation's public policy, organizing, or contract campaigns, such as lobby visits, phone banking, and rallies.
• Secure elected officials and candidates’ support for federation priorities

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
This position is a full-time, in-person, salaried, exempt position in Harris County. It requires regular travel throughout the greater Houston area, some evening and weekend availability, and occasional out-of-town travel.

Required

• 5+ years of leadership experience running electoral campaigns and field programs.
• Proven ability to design, staff, and execute large-scale voter contact and campaign plans.
• Advanced proficiency in VAN and campaign data tools, with working proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, databases, and presentation software to track program data, analyze outcomes, and report progress.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders across the federation, candidates, and elected officials, political parties, etc.
• Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteer and paid field teams.
• Ability to adhere to strict campaign deadlines and compliance/reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and relational skills.
• Commitment to economic justice and workers' rights.
• Ability to handle stress, sensitive situations, and tactical adjustments with calm, flexibility, and discretion.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced campaign environment.

Preferred

• Strong fundraising track record.
• Strategic thinker with experience shaping electoral strategy at the county or regional level.
• Familiarity with and experience in the labor movement.
• Fluent written and oral Spanish.

COMPENSATION
Base salary $80,000 – $95,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include high-quality, employer-paid health insurance; 10% employer contribution to retirement plan on top of base pay; generous paid time off; and the option of voluntary contributions to a 401(k) plan.

HOW TO APPLY
The position is open as of the date of this posting. Interested candidates should submit a brief cover letter and résumé describing their interest in the role and relevant experience at www.gcaflcio.org/jobs.

The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO strongly encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and others from historically underrepresented communities.