The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation (TGCALF), AFL-CIO, an alliance of 75 unions representing 60,000 union members in the Houston region, seeks an experienced political professional to serve as Political and Communications Director (PCD). The PCD’s primary responsibility is to lead the federation’s political and member mobilization efforts across multiple counties in the Houston Region to elect labor champions to local, state, and federal offices. The ideal candidate for this position will have advanced experience in electoral campaigns and external organizational communications, and an economic justice oriented policy background. The PCD reports to the TGCALF’s Executive Director and works closely with union affiliates.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Electoral (app. 80% time)
-Plan and implement a strategic member to member electoral program to elect labor-endorsed candidates at the local, state and federal levels in multiple Houston area counties. Duties include:
-administer voter registration campaigns
-run candidate academies for potential and endorsed candidates
-coordinate Committee on Political Education candidate interviews and endorsement process
-develop and monitor budgets
-craft and execute large-scale direct voter contact field program, including voter targeting and data management; mail; canvassing; phone and textbanks; and digital advertising
-recruit, train, and oversee field staff, member volunteers, and release staff
-coordinate the federation’s electoral program with state and federal AFL-CIO and with campaigns, parties, PACs, and other labor and community allies, where legally feasible
-Plan, coordinate, and implement all aspects of the federation’s Working People PAC field program aimed at voters not currently in unions. Tasks include the above, plus fundraising; hiring, training, and managing field staff; and compliance reporting.
-Identify and train union members to run for office.
-Assist with coordinating political field activities, lobby visits, phone banking and events for the Federation’s public policy campaigns at the city, county, state and federal level. Communications (app. 20% time)
-Provide communications support to achieve goals of the federation’s programmatic areas (electoral; policy / legislative campaigns; affiliate organizing and growth; member mobilization, training, and rapid response; and workforce development) and organizational development. Self-provide, coordinate consultants, and/or supervise staff for tasks including but not limited to: -Design, produce, and deliver mail, canvass materials, and digital ads
-Craft communications copy, such as media advisories and releases, talking points, and emails -Secure unearned media coverage
-Post regularly on multiple social media channels to grow audience engagement
-Update website
-Prepare written and graphic reports
-Continually improve the federation’s internal and external communications infrastructure
-Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
This position is a full-time, in person, salaried, exempt position in Harris County. It requires regular travel throughout the greater Houston area. The job requires some evening and weekend availability, as well as occasional travel out of town.
Required:
-5 years of leadership experience in electoral campaigns and managing field programs.
-Ability to design and implement powerful and effective campaign plans.
-Ability to adhere to strict deadlines and reporting requirements
Advanced proficiency in using VAN, Excel / Google Sheets, databases, and presentation apps to track program data, prepare reports, analyze outcomes, communicate progress, and improve performance
-Ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders across the federation, candidates, and elected officials.
-Ability to recruit, train, and manage volunteers and paid field teams
-Strong organizational and project management skills with meticulous attention to details
-Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and relational skills
-Commitment to economic justice and workers’ rights
-Ability to handle stress, sensitive situations, and tactical adjustments with calm, flexibility, and discretion
-Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Preferred:
Strong fundraising track record. Strategic thinker. Familiarity with and experience in the labor movement. Fluent written and oral Spanish.
Compensation Base:
Salary $80,000-$95,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits include high quality, employer-paid health insurance; 10% employer contribution to retirement plan on top of base pay; generous paid time off benefits; and option of voluntary contributions to 401(k) plan.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a brief cover letter and resume describing their interest in the role and relevant experience here. The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO and strongly encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and others from historically underrepresented communities.