Job Description

UFCW Local 1500

Political Director

Based in New York City, NY

SUMMARY
The Political Director is responsible for developing, leading, and implementing the political and legislative strategy of UFCW Local 1500 throughout New York State, with a strong emphasis on New York City politics. This position oversees statewide and local political programs, including legislative advocacy, electoral campaigns, political action committees (PACs), voter engagement, political fundraising, and direct legislative work. The Political Director plays a key role in building member power, strengthening relationships with elected officials and allies, and advancing the union’s priorities through the political and legislative process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, directs, and implements comprehensive political and legislative programs for UFCW Local 1500, including New York State and New York City legislative and electoral campaigns, PAC activity, voter registration and turnout efforts, and issue-based advocacy.
• Leads the union’s legislative strategy, including introducing, tracking, monitoring, and analyzing legislation that impacts UFCW Local 1500 members at the state and city levels.
• Works with elected officials, legislative staff, and coalition partners to advance proactive legislation and oppose legislation harmful to union members and working families.
• Designs and maintains an ongoing, year-round political and activist program that develops member leadership and deepens engagement in political, legislative, and community-based campaigns.
• Works closely with Union officers/Leadership to integrate political action and legislative work with organizing contract campaigns, and internal union priorities.
• Leads the union’s political fundraising efforts, including PAC administration, member fundraising programs, events, donor cultivation, compliance, and reporting in accordance with New York State and New York City election law.
• Coordinates union endorsements, candidate screenings, legislative priorities, and accountability processes at the local, city, and state levels.
• Assists organizing and contract campaigns by securing political and legislative support and mobilizing elected officials when appropriate.
• Plays a lead role in major union mobilizations, rallies, lobby days, hearings, and political events across New York State.
• Works in collaboration with communications staff to shape political and legislative messaging, oversee political communications, and ensure consistent public-facing narratives aligned with union priorities.
• Monitors political and legislative developments affecting UFCW Local 1500 members and provides strategic analysis, updates, and recommendations to union leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience managing legislative, electoral, and/or large-scale political or organizing campaigns.
• Strong working knowledge of New York State, New York City and Long Island government, including legislative processes and the political landscape impacting labor and working families.
• Proven experience in legislative advocacy, including bill tracking, coalition work, and working directly with elected officials and legislative staff.
• Proven experience in political fundraising, including PAC management, and campaign finance compliance.
• Experience leading staff and diverse teams in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment.
• Ability to develop, execute, and evaluate strategic plans of work while holding staff and partners accountable.
• Background in the labor movement and/or progressive politics strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• College degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. 
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Must be willing to travel when required

SALARY RANGE
$80,000 – $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

To Apply:
Send an email including your résumé and cover letter to jobs@ufcw1500.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

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