Illinois Federation of Teachers
500 Oakmont Lane
Westmont, Illinois 60559

Full-Time Professional Support Staff
Central Region

Assigned to the Springfield Legislative Office, IL

 

To Apply:
Application is made by sending a letter and current résumé to the attention of Kathy Murray by e-mail to KMurray@ift-aft.org no later than September 30, 2026.

1. A current staff member may be granted a voluntary transfer within the bargaining unit which may cause a change in the office assignment of this vacancy;
2. The IFT does not pay the cost of any expense incurred in the interview process, or any expense incurred in relocation when employment requires a change in residency;
3. Interviewees will be selected from the application letters with current resumes received by the deadline date; 
4. Interviews will be conducted in the Springfield legislative office;
5. Employment will begin as per a mutual agreement between the successful applicant and the IFT;
6. Salary and benefits as per experience and the contract between the IFT and IOU/CNG.

Illinois Federation of Teachers is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Any questions regarding the vacant position may be directed to the attention of Bryen Johnson by telephone at 217/544-8562 or email at Bjohnson@ift-aft.org, or Kathy Murray at the 630/468-4055 e-mail at the email above. 

Job Qualifications

• Applicant must be able to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups and demonstrate a positive attitude in interpersonal and public interactions.
• Applicant must be able to collaborate with different departments within the IFT.
• Applicant must demonstrate deep knowledge and a strong commitment to racial justice and antiracism and demonstrate the ability to help lead such work.
• Applicant must demonstrate knowledge of current issues within education and education policy.
• Applicant must demonstrate strong accounting, bookkeeping, and analytical skills, including the ability to maintain detailed and accurate financial records and reconcile figures across multiple reports.
• Applicant must demonstrate superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills; a degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
• Applicant must be able to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously under strict, recurring filing deadlines, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Applicant must demonstrate superior organization skills and dedication to completing projects in a timely manner.
• Applicant must be able to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision.
• Applicant must demonstrate superior computer and internet skills, including the use and optimization of Microsoft Office products, web-based applications and programs, as well as company specific technical programs and systems, and the ability to learn government compliance and reporting databases (e.g., the Illinois State Board of Elections IDIS system).
• Applicant must be able to work some weekends and evenings as required, and some in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.
• Applicant must pass the clerical skills test required of all professional support staff members.
• Applicant must exhibit appreciation and understanding of the labor movement.

Main Functions

• Maintain IFT COPE’s compliance with the Illinois State Board of Elections, including accurate and timely filing of quarterly D-2 reports and A-1 reports and complete, ongoing entry of all receipts, candidate contributions, and expenditures in the IDIS database; ensure filings are accurate and submitted on deadline, as late, incomplete, or inaccurate reports can result in civil penalties.
• File monthly reports to the AFT in support of their FEC filings, and process in-kind notification reports to candidates within the required two- and five-day deadlines, ensuring IFT COPE’s reporting reconciles with candidates.
• Administer the COPE Rebate program for participating rebate locals, including assisting locals in completing compliance forms and worksheets, comparing submitted figures against quarterly D-2 filings, maintaining tracking spreadsheets of receipts, rebates, and expenditures, conducting quarterly audits, and verifying that expenditures fall within program guidelines.
• Perform accounting and record-keeping duties for the PIPE program and AFT Solidarity Fund, including monthly deposits to the COPE voluntary account, balancing the voluntary checkbook, and processing electronic checks to the AFT.
• Assist with managing the planning and execution of IFT Lobby Days and other legislative advocacy events, working with the Director of Political Activities and Legislative Directors to translate legislative strategy into event logistics, including registration, participant tracking, legislator meeting schedules, materials, communications, and day-of coordination.
• Help coordinate the DPA endorsement process, including tracking candidate filings and questionnaire status through a daily-updated master document, ensuring each filed candidate receives a questionnaire, and scheduling candidate interviews across the state’s regional PAC meetings in coordination with DPA staff.
• Endorsement process, including tracking candidate filings and questionnaire status through a daily-updated master document, ensuring each filed candidate receives a questionnaire, and scheduling candidate interviews across the state’s regional PAC meetings in coordination with DPA staff.
• Maintain databases of member and staff appointments to committees and task forces, and edit appointment letters and correspondence for members recommended to boards and commissions.
• Support DPA fundraising activities, including maintaining a database of invitations received and contributions made, presenting information on past contributions, processing requisitions, coordinating event attendance with DPA and DFO staff, and handling RSVPs.
• Proofread and edit DPA materials for accuracy and grammar, including board reports, voting records, the State PAC report, endorsement lists, fact sheets, candidate flyers, candidate questionnaires, and correspondence to legislators and members.
• Coordinate COPE activities for the IFT Convention, including researching, sourcing, and ordering COPE Platinum Club member gifts; applying for and filing the required reporting on the COPE raffle license; and staffing the COPE table to explain the program and renew and recruit Platinum Club members.
• Independently manage recurring election-cycle and reporting responsibilities using annual task checklists, proactively completing and updating work, including vendor and local president records in IDIS, with minimal direction.
• Assist the IFT Director of Political Activities with the COPE budget.
• Report directly to the Director of Political Activities, follow the directives of the President and other administrators, and perform other duties as assigned.

SALARY AND BENEFITS 
Budgeted salary: range from $75,000.00 to $82,000.00 annually. The IFT anticipates hiring within this range; however, exceptional candidates with significant experience may be considered above this range consistent with organizational needs and internal equity.

Benefits: This position includes a 100% employer-paid, health, dental and vision plan, a remote allowance, and a generous 401k contribution. The IFT also provides a competitive package of paid time off and paid holidays.