Assistant Director

To be considered

For each position of interest, please send a separate email with an attached cover letter and resume to: [email protected].

Also, include the position title, and if you are a current member of an AFSCME Local, in the subject line of your email.

Department:
Education & Leadership Training
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Grade:
Management – Grade 7
Salary Range:
$131,154 – $176,570
Benefits:
List of benefits
Posting Date:
September 18, 2026

The Assistant Director provides leadership for AFSCME’s field education program to build union capacity and to support and align the work of Field Education Coordinators and Education Coordinators. This position requires collaboration with other managers, programs and departments and with AFSCME affiliates across the country. This position coordinates the work of field education department and/or HQ staff to design and deliver AFSCME education programs for AFSCME members, leaders, and staff.

DUTIES:

  • Provides supervision to Field Education Coordinators and Education Coordinators to support high level performance.
  • Collaborates with other AFSCME managers, departments, staff, affiliates, and allied organizations on assigned projects.
  • Assists Field Education Coordinators and Education Coordinators in assessing needs and developing programs in support of AFSCME priorities and coordinates the work of department staff in delivering programs and carrying out projects in the field and at headquarters.
  • Oversees the research, writing, and updating of curricula and materials for education programs, especially programs that support member activism, organizing, political action, representation, and racial & economic justice.
  • Assists with major curriculum revision projects.
  • Analyzes past initiatives, meets with staff members, conducts need assessments to determine requirements and to ascertain feasibility of suggested programs.
  • Proposes educational objectives for specific programs and for long-range services.
  • Supports AFSCME’s short and long-term priorities.
  • Assists with the design, planning and implementation of national union conferences and conventions.
  • Helps lead an annual strategic planning and provides leadership for working the plan throughout the year.
  • Regularly apprises the Director and Associate Director of all major activities occurring and confers on the status of projects and progress toward meeting agreed upon deadlines.
  • Performs other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of ten (10) years related experience as a union organizer, political action representative, staff representative, or comparable work for a social justice organization; prior management experience or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills

  • Candidates should have significant previous union experience such as representation, organizing and/or political action; prior management experience; and/or considerable related experience.
  • Knowledge about the union movement and AFSCME.
  • The ability to design and deliver training on a wide range of topics including organizing, political action, representation, and communication.
  • Research/analytical skills and familiarity with major policy issues of concern to AFSCME members.
  • Ability to coach and supervise staff.
  • Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write training curricula and materials for use by others.
  • Ability to develop strategic work plans and manage programs.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple activities. Ability to communicate effectively and to prepare persuasive presentations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to analyze situations and take appropriate course of action.
  • Understanding of and ability to successfully navigate AFSCME processes and protocols.
  • Work is performed in office, campaign, and classroom settings.
  • Performs other related work as required.  

Travel and work hours:

  • Extensive travel and extended work hours, including evenings and weekends are a routine part of this position.
  • Valid driver’s license is required.
AFSCME is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.