Job Description

Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is seeking a knowledgeable and dynamic State Affiliate Political Organizer (SAPO). The SAPO’s mission is to bridge the national AFT union’s political/legislative agenda with the state affiliate’s political and mobilization work. They support organizing, member engagement, legislative campaigns, PAC / political fundraising, coalition building, and coordination with local unions (locals) and community allies.

In essence, the SAPO helps align, drive, and implement political strategy within the state to further both state-level and national goals of the AFT, while activating and leveraging members.

Applicants should have a working knowledge of unions and a commitment to the labor movement. Some organizing experience is a plus, but not a requirement. 

Duties:

Specific job duties include:

• Organizing and supporting effective grass-roots communication networks
• Identifying and recruiting legislative and political activists among Texas AFT’s members and training local leaders to do the same
• Developing and presenting legislative and political training programs and materials for Texas AFT leaders and members
• Communicating Texas AFT’s legislative and political goals and objectives to affiliates
• Planning and executing Texas AFT’s Lobby Day actions during legislative sessions, including communications and event logistics
• Expanding Texas AFT’s participation and leadership in coalitions with allied organizations 
• Maintaining liaison with national legislative and political staff of the American Federation of Teachers
• Increasing Texas AFT’s political fundraising

Qualifications: 

Required knowledge and skills:

• Substantial experience in designing and implementing political/legislative grass-roots programs, including building budgets and campaign plans
• Experience with volunteer recruitment and management and building and facilitating campaign tactical training
• Experience developing and implementing field programs that include phone banking, door-to-door canvassing and direct mail 
• Proven ability to make persuasive written and oral presentations
• Strong working knowledge of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, mobile text message campaigns and other online tools to support online communication and volunteer recruitment and engagement 
• Strong expertise in online voter file databases such as the Labor Action Network 
• Knowledge of education, public-employee issues, and labor policy is a plus
• Working knowledge of Texas legislature, politics, and coalitions in which Texas AFT participates is a plus
• Experience with campaign field writing and fundraising is a plus
• Must own car and carry comprehensive automobile insurance
• Work is required across the State of Texas 

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary for this position is $58,000-$69,000 (based on experience) and is part of a collective bargaining agreement with the staff union. In addition to base salary, the position offers a wide range of benefits including: 

• Benefits of a union contract
• Fully paid health and dental insurance for the employee and family
• Fully paid disability income insurance for the employee and $50,000 term life insurance
• Paid sick and vacation leave per year
• Retirement contribution

Equal Opportunity Employer and all are encouraged to apply. 

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