Position: Regional Field Director – Michigan AFL-CIO
Compensation: Salary and benefits are competitive, and are commensurate with experience & qualifications
Start Date: ASAP
Applications Due: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis
Commitment: This position will be funded through December 2020
THE ORGANIZATION:
The Michigan AFL-CIO is a chartered organization of the National AFL-CIO, which represents affiliates and central labor bodies across Michigan. The Michigan AFL-CIO works to advocate for pro-labor policies in the state legislature, and works to build power to working families through various campaigns and other organizing efforts. We focus on supporting the legislative, political, organizing, and solidarity goals of the labor movement locally, statewide, and nationally. We are led by an elected President and are governed by elected Executive Boards.
NATURE OF POSITION:
This is a six-month position, with positions based in five different regions in Michigan: Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern and Metro Michigan. The Regional Field Directors will report regularly to the Field Director and/or Deputy Campaigns Director of the Michigan AFL-CIO’s Labor 2020 campaign. The Regional Field Director’s work plan will be determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO. A detailed description of the position and its responsibilities is below.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINE:
Complete and submit: 1) a cover letter; 2) your resume and email them to MI AFL-CIO Deputy Campaigns Director, Conner Wood, cwood@miaflcio.org
DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, Veteran, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Regional Field Director is responsible for implementation of all AFL-CIO activities and programs to advance labor’s 2020 political campaign including phone banks, offices and canvasses (when applicable), release staff and volunteer management, reporting and other duties as assigned.
WEEK-TO-WEEK RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Building a Volunteer Base and Communication Network. The Regional Field Director manages and regularly updates the database(s) for outreach to unions, community allies, and individual volunteers, and works to expand it. They build relationships with local union leaders in their areas, and coordinate volunteers that are assigned to their given areas.
- Coordinating Events and Voter Contact. The Regional Field Director coordinates labor-to-labor walks, rallies, pickets, phone banks, marches, and more (where applicable and in accordance with CDC guidelines and recommendations). The Regional must build turnout, assist in agenda preparation, and make sure logistical details are attended to.
- Financial and Reporting Responsibilities. The Regional Field Director will prepare and submit detailed weekly activity reports to the Michigan AFL-CIO Deputy Campaign Director. They will be responsible for accounting to the Michigan AFL-CIO Deputy Campaign for all program related expenses incurred, including those associated with campaigns.
NECESSARY SKILLS:
The Regional Field Director must have a commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor’s goals. They must be able to advance projects and programs that convey these goals by working with union leaders, members, and community activists in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines. The Regional Field Director must direct the activities listed above while following the campaign priorities and field plan determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO.
Excellent verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds. The popular / labor education skills necessary to design and lead workshops aimed at leadership and volunteer development are very important. Required written communication skills include the ability to produce newsletters, leaflets, basic phone and walk scripts, work plans, and project reports.
The Regional must have a valid driver’s license, continuous use of a reliable vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and be willing to travel throughout the region on a regular basis. Occasional travel to other parts of the state and/or out-of-state may be necessary. Overnight travel will be infrequent, but may be required. Long work hours, some holiday work, and frequent participation in evening and weekend activities are required, and attendance at early morning calls or events will be expected. Previous campaign experience highly desired, but not necessary.
Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of e-mail, Google Drive, Zoom, Google Meet, MS Word, the Internet, Excel, LAN/VAN, and social media, with a working knowledge of PowerPoint. Beyond these technical skills are the people and organizational skills required to carry out the priorities outlined above.
