This position is responsible for assisting the Political Action Department staff in developing and conducting political action campaigns for affiliates; training affiliate leaders/staff and members in how to conduct political campaigns; assisting in-house polling operations; and assisting with state lobbying efforts. The position may require extensive travel throughout the country wherever needed. Assists political campaigns for incumbents/candidates running for local judicial, council, mayoral, legislative, gubernatorial offices; and for congressional seats and the presidency.
Duties:
- Tracks political developments affecting all major political parties and prepares background reports on a variety of topics including convention plans, redistricting, campaign finances and delegate selection. AFSCME policy decision makers, who plan departmental objectives and strategies, may use the information.
- Monitors political developments, issues and topics by meeting with officials of political research and policy institutions and attending coalition group briefings.
- Assists with providing final assessments of local/state political campaigns and their possible success and potential impact on members’ welfare.
- May provide input on campaign strategy. Provides mobilization support for federal, state, and local elections, including candidate, legislative, issue, and PEOPLE fundraising campaigns.
- Responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring political campaigns and electoral programs in Arizona that support the goals and objectives of AFSCME’s Political Action Department.
- Manages field programs including, but not limited to, voter registration, member mobilization, voter contact and get-out-the-vote activities in assigned campaigns.
- Assists in conducting workshops for affiliate leaders and members on how to perform various assignments within a campaign, i.e., developing budgets, targeting precincts, drafting campaign strategies, writing/producing/distributing voter information materials, establishing phone banks, seeking media coverage and get-out-the vote crews, recruiting volunteers, coordinating fundraising events and candidate appearances, collaborating with other unions and coalitions of organizations, and conducting voter surveys.
- Develops/modifies workshop materials for accuracy and to fit specific affiliate interests on selected campaign issues and topics.
- Conducts workshop sessions to acquaint members with the issues and AFSCME’s position. These sessions can be given during active campaign periods or at affiliate conferences during off- election periods.
- Discusses with affiliates their specific interests and ability to commit resources to a campaign. Assists at political action coalition gatherings; participates in the deliberations and prepares reports outlining conclusions reached.
- May assist in conducting training sessions for other union organizations on topics of mutual interest. Assists the department’s polling operations using recognized statistical techniques to select audience samples, prepare questionnaires and analyze results.
- Trains and manages poll takers. Makes poll survey information available to candidates, department staff and AFSCME senior staff.
- Contributes newsworthy items to the weekly Eye Opener report.
- Promotes and implements the PEOPLE program, AFSCME’s political action committee.
- Meets with affiliate leaders, retiree leaders, and members to promote fundraising for the committee. Drafts and implements fundraising plans.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in Labor Relations, Political Science or Government and a minimum of (5) years of related work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.
Skills Requirements:
- Knowledge of federal campaign financial regulations and laws.
- Knowledge of campaign targeting techniques.
- Knowledge of scientific polling techniques.
- Knowledge of computer software associated with potential campaign data gathering or planning.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure within tight deadlines.
- Ability to assist in the development of training curriculum and conduct workshops.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and writing into large group settings.
- Ability to assess political situations and develop appropriate campaign strategies.
Travel and work hours:
- Extensive travel, extended work hours including evenings and weekends, and a valid driver’s license are required.