"Alerted.org

Director of Political Operations

STARTING SALARY: $ 121,125

JOB SUMMARY :

The Director of Political Operations is a senior-level position responsible for developing, managing, and executing CSEA’s statewide Political Action and Education Program. Under the direction of the Director of Legislative and Political Action, this position plays a key role in aligning political strategy with the union’s goals, strengthening member engagement, and coordinating political campaigns and issue advocacy at all levels of government. This position works closely with CSEA leadership, Region Political Action Coordinators, AFSCME, and allied organizations to advance the union’s policy objectives and political strength.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Strategy

+ Lead the development and implementation of CSEA’s Political Action and Education Program.

+ Coordinate political and electoral strategies to support union-endorsed candidates and policy campaigns.

+ Implement statewide policy decisions related to political and legislative priorities.

Supervision & Staff Development

+ Recruit, train, and supervise Region Political Action Coordinators.

+ Provide ongoing direction, guidance, and support to regional staff to ensure consistent and effective political engagement across all areas of the state.

Member Engagement & Training

+ Design and implement political education workshops and training curricula for member activists, including Political Action Liaisons.

+ Build and maintain a statewide network of trained, engaged political volunteers and activists.

+ Maintain records of volunteer participation and activist development.

Campaign & Electoral Operations

+ Oversee planning, design, and production of political materials, including direct mail, digital content, and audiovisual communications.

+ Coordinate campaign services such as phone banks, literature drops, and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) operations.

+ Facilitate and support CSEA’s participation in polling and research projects.

External Coordination

+ Serve as CSEA’s point of contact for political coordination with AFSCME, NYS AFL-CIO, political candidates, political parties, and allied organizations.

+ Assist in resolving political issues affecting local government operations and collective bargaining units.

Data & Compliance

+ Manage political data systems in coordination with IT, including voter files, membership engagement tracking, and district-level targeting.

+ Develop and maintain accurate political and demographic files, including census data and elected official information.

+ Recommend and support the development of new digital tools and applications for political and legislative work.

Advocacy & Mobilization

+ Support and coordinate grassroots lobbying efforts, including district visits, member mobilizations, and letter-writing campaigns.

+ Assist on federal advocacy initiatives.

+ Participate in lobbying activities and provide staffing support to elected leadership as needed.

Voter Engagement

+ Lead CSEA’s voter registration efforts and maintain voter registration files.

+ Implement a year-round voter registration and turnout program targeting union members and households.

Other Responsibilities

+ Assist in addressing political and policy challenges related to public sector bargaining and local government operations.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

+ Bachelor’s degree in political science or related field and three years of experience in legislative or political action or government;orhigh school diploma or equivalency and six years full time experience in legislative or political action or government;orsatisfactory combination of experience, education and training as determined by CSEA.

+ Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, member organizing, and campaign leadership.

+ Working knowledge of New York State and local government structures.

+ Strong communication, project management, and organizational skills.

+ Familiarity with political data tools and voter engagement platforms.

+ Ability to travel.

Preferred:

+ Experience designing and facilitating workshops or educational campaigns for union members or political volunteers.

+ Understanding of the public sector labor environment and collective bargaining issues.

FIRST TIME Applicants

It's simple! Once you create your profile and apply for a job, a HR Representative will review your information and contact you.

RETURNING Applicants

Email Address

Password:

Forgot my password

CSEA is an equal opportunity employer. Please read our EEO statement 518-257-1494 [email protected] ( [email protected])