Illinois Federation of Teachers 500 Oakmont Lane
Westmont, Illinois 60559 Legislative Director / State Affiliate Political Organizer (SAPO)
(Region and Office Assignment To Be Determined) Based in Northern Region (IFT Westmont Office)
or Central Region (IFT Springfield Office), IL
JOB QUALIFICATIONS Three to five years of experience designing and implementing political action and/or union grassroots programs. Demonstrated writing ability and the ability to communicate the union's goals with respect to growing its fundraising and political action capabilities. Applicant must demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to racial and social justice and will advocate for these in the execution of the main functions. Ability to speak and present before audiences of all sizes. Demonstrated success at recruiting and motivating people for involvement in the political process. Strong computer skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or comparable programs. Ability to work independently of direct supervision. Good mathematical and/or accounting skills. Ability to analyze programs and recommend changes to fit the needs of a growing organization. Knowledge and experience using the NPG VAN or LAN (Labor Action Network). Strong interpersonal skills. Self-motivated and goal oriented. Able to travel statewide on a regular basis and work irregular hours, including evenings and some weekends. Periodic travel out of state for AFT-sponsored meetings (usually in Washington, D.C). Knowledge of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and/or the Illinois labor movement preferred. Knowledge of the history of organized labor's involvement in political action preferred. Knowledge of Illinois public officials at the state legislative level or higher preferred. Knowledge of state and federal political fundraising laws preferred. Some lobbying experience preferred. MAIN FUNCTIONS I. FUNDRAISING
a. Implement or expand the IFT's Committee On Political Education (COPE) fundraising programs by working with IFT locals on a statewide basis.
b. Implement or expand the voluntary fundraising activities of IFT locals in conjunction with the American Federation of Teachers fundraising programs.
c. Develop and implement structured presentations and/or training sessions for groups of local union leaders, members, and IFT colleagues.
d. Help maintain, expand, and audit the IFT COPE Rebate program with participating IFT locals.
II. PROGRAM BUILDING
a. Build and maintain relationships with Illinois Congressional delegation.
b. Work with both the IFT and the AFT to increase member mobilization related to the union's political and legislative agenda.
c. Working in conjunction with IFT field staff, motivate and assist IFT local unions in building structured political action committees.
d. Implement AFT programs for the development of Congressional District mobilization programs in all Illinois Congressional Districts.
e. Train local union leaders to be effective in carrying out local union political action and fundraising programs, including programs to increase member engagement at the local level.
f. Develop instructional materials and/or manuals as needed for local unions to carry out fundraising and other political action programs.
III. POLITICAL ORGANIZING
a. Work in assigned political campaigns to assist IFT-endorsed candidates.
b. Assist with the development of political organizing plans with candidates, aligned labor organizations, and IFT local unions and staff.
c. Assist with the development of campaign materials, including mailers, articles for IFT publications, or other materials to assist endorsed candidates.
d. Assist with the development of field plans and related campaign materials and resources for IFT local endorsed candidates in local elections.
IV. OTHER ACTIVITIES
a. Work under the supervision of the Director of Political Activities.
b. Represent the IFT at political tables when necessary.
c. Attend IFT and AFT meetings and workshops as assigned.
d. Assist in IFT Convention programs as required.
e. Carry out assignments directed by the IFT Executive Board and our President/Chief Operation Officer.
f. Attend out-of-state AFT meetings as requested.
g. Work on out-of-state AFT assignments as requested.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter and current résumé to the attention of Barb Latta at the address below or via e-mail at , no later than June 6, 2024 .
Barbara A. Latta
Accounting and Human Resources Manager
Illinois Federation of Teachers
500 Oakmont Lane
Westmont, IL 60559 Illinois Federation of Teachers is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .
