Wash. State Labor Council seeks Legislative and Policy Director

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO — the largest labor organization in Washington State representing some  400,000 trade unionists in more than 600 local unions and councils — is seeking applicants to fill the position of Legislative and Policy Director. The WSLC, a state federation of the AFL-CIO that focuses primarily on political, legislative, policy and organizing support, is widely considered the voice of labor in the state. (See a printable version of the job posting.)

This is the position that was vacated by Joe Kendo, who was named Government Affairs Director to replace Teresa Mosqueda, who was named Political and Strategic Campaign Director.

The Legislative and Policy Director is part of the WSLC lobbying team and is directed by the President, who is the WSLC’s chief administrative officer. Working with the Government Relations Director, who also serves as the lead lobbyist for the council, the Legislative and Policy Director will help develop the WSLC’s biennial legislative agenda.

As part of the legislative development process, the Director will chair, co-chair, or serve on a number of internal and external policy committees, work with affiliated unions and community partners on policy goals, draft convention resolutions, conduct workshops, and represent the WSLC by speaking at various union, legislative and administrative hearings, writing testimony, talking points and positions papers, and helping our affiliates and community allies navigate the legislative process. The Director will also be responsible for other policy assignments made by the President.

Job Qualifications: This position requires at least three (3) years of legislative/lobbying experience at the local, state or federal levels. Content expertise is required in at least two (2) of the following areas: workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, workforce training, health care, health and safety, employment standards, education, or tax and revenue policy. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Knowledge of the Washington State Legislature, Washington State legislators, and the Washington State Labor Movement is preferred.

Terms of Employment: The Legislative and Policy Director is part of the administrative staff of the WSLC and, as such, is part of the collective bargaining agreement between the WSLC and Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 8. The Director is a member of OPEIU Local 8. The contract provides excellent wages, medical care, including dental and vision, vacation and holiday leave, and a defined benefit pension plan, along with an employer-matched savings plan. Salary range for this position is $76,000 – $85,000 per annum.

Process and Start Date: Please submit the following materials to Jeffrey Johnson, President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, 321 – 16th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144 by Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015:

1) Formal letter of interest explaining why you want this position and why you are qualified for it.

2) Your résumé with references.

3) A sample of your writing on a policy position.

Interviews will be scheduled by Janet Hays will be held on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 23-24.