This position is currently remote due to the global health crisis. With a vaccine mandate in place, we have begun returning to our office. By the time this position begins, we anticipate that the Policy Director will work on site at our Washington, DC headquarters, with options for part-time telework.
Anticipated Start Date: November 1, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Summary of Position
As a member of Solidarity Center’s management team, the Policy Director plays an institutional leadership role with direct responsibility for the organization’s government and congressional relations. As the person responsible for advancing Solidarity Center’s education and outreach efforts with Congress and the federal government, this individual establishes and maintains relationships with representatives from multiple Congressional offices and committees, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The Policy Director is the organization’s liaison to multiple labor and international development coalitions and represents Solidarity Center in a variety of public for a promoting global worker rights among U.S. policy makers. Understanding of the labor movement and experience with trade unions is essential.
The ability to manage divergent interests, to respond to requests for information quickly and accurately, and to distill and synthesize complex pieces of information efficiently tailored to various audiences is critical to success in this role. In addition, the Policy Director must be able to speak extemporaneously, stay on message, and demonstrate a solid knowledge of Solidarity Center and its programs. This individual must have a keen political sense and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
This work requires close coordination with the Executive Director, Communications Director, Regional Program Directors and other Washington and field-based regional staff.
Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of across U.S. Congress and federal agencies Extensive knowledge of current international labor, socio-economic and geopolitical issues
- Familiarity with federal budget processes and foreign assistance programs
- Firsthand trade union experience, with extensive knowledge and deep understanding of labor movement dynamics in the U.S. and globally
- Ability to understand and effectively articulate Solidarity Center’s mission and programs to diverse audiences
- Excellent interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with Solidarity Center staff, U.S. and foreign trade union leaders, senior U.S. and foreign government officials, and representatives of non-governmental organizations
- Exceptional writing/editing, critical thinking, and analytical skills
- Basic computer literacy in word-processing and simple spreadsheets
Candidates for the position should have an academic background, preferably a master’s degree, in labor relations, political science or international affairs, or equivalent work experience. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.
This position entails occasional travel outside the U.S. A medical condition that precludes the ability to travel regularly may disqualify a candidate from eligibility.
Supervisor: Executive Director
Congressional Outreach and Education
- Develop and strengthen Solidarity Center relationships with Congressional offices, committees, and caucuses
- Seek opportunities for Solidarity Center partners and staff to engage with Congress, including via SC-led briefings
- Coordinate and help draft Congressional testimony for Solidarity Center staff
- Respond to inquiries from members of Congress and committees
- Draft and submit questions for the record for Congressional hearings
- Track annual appropriations process and promote Solidarity Center priorities in conjunction with the AFL-CIO
- Track, review, and provide input on pending legislation
- Share regular updates on labor issues with key members of Congress and committees
- Participate in joint outreach and education meetings with Solidarity Center coalition partners including the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core institutes, InterAction, and others
- Plan and coordinate Congressional delegations and visits to Solidarity Center programs
Administration
- Plan, convene, and facilitate quarterly interagency labor meetings
- Participate in ad hoc and regular policy meetings with federal agencies, sometimes jointly with the AFL-CIO, on relevant policy issues
- Track federal policy and regulatory changes that affect Solidarity Center’s work
- Draft policy papers and briefs (jointly with the AFL-CIO where appropriate) s
Coalitions
- Represent Solidarity Center in external coalitions, including with the NED and its core institutes, InterAction, and others
- Draft labor content for joint publications and policy papers with coalition partners
Internal
- Provide regular updates, analysis, and advice to Solidarity Center management and staff on Congressional and federal developments that affect their work
- Coordinate with regional and thematic departments on advocacy strategies
- Serve as liaison with the AFL-CIO on trade issues
- Promote an atmosphere of cooperation, coordination, and respect among staff at all levels and across departmental/regional lines
- Know and follow Solidarity Center policies and procedures; ensure staff are aware of and comply with same
- Perform other tasks as assigned by Executive Director
Additional Information
This is a senior management position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary of approximately $150,000 USD. A robust benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan, pension, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave.
The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO
Please be advised that we will inform the AFL-CIO when any of its current employees apply for positions with Solidarity Center. This notification is a matter of policy for all candidates, regardless of each individual’s qualifications and competitiveness for a specific opportunity.
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