Overview
The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2021 to bring the voices of working people and unions into technology development and innovation policy. Creation of the Institute was a core recommendation of the 2019 AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions, a multi-sector collaborative of union leaders determined to build a powerful strategy to prepare our movement for the future of work.
The Institute is seeking to hire a Policy Advisor with a focus on workforce development and its critical role in providing workers a pathway into good union jobs. The Policy Advisor will serve as a key expert and advisor on workforce development in the organization and be responsible for helping to shape the Technology Institute’s policies and programs to advance worker-centered training strategies and help the labor movement navigate technology transitions in the economy and the workplace. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Policy & Research Director, and the AFL-CIO Working for America Institute, the Policy Advisor will support a policy portfolio on workforce development including registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE), state and local workforce policy, worker rights, equity and racial justice, and labor-management partnerships.
The Technology Institute’s mission is to create technology and innovation policies and practices, and build multi-sector strategies that improve the lives of working people and ensure public R&D investments equitably benefit workers and communities. From Congressional offices to the shop floor, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future for working people across the country and develop a new organizational voice on technology and the future of work.
The position reports to the Deputy Director and the Policy & Research Director.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Advance the AFL-CIO Technology Institute’s policy agenda on worker-centered workforce development, including worker training, labor-management partnerships, Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE), equity and racial justice, state and local workforce policy, and worker rights.
Review and develop analysis, testimony, correspondence and comments to proposed regulations and implementation guidance; develop materials explaining public policy positions for the AFL-CIO officers, affiliates, and state and local bodies.
Educate and advise federal and state policymakers, including the Administration and the Congress.
Collaborate with labor movement partners, including the AFL-CIO, unions and state and local labor federations.
Support the integration of the Institute’s policy work into other programs and initiatives. Create written reports, materials, factsheets, testimony, comments to proposed regulations and implementation guidance and policy papers; conduct research on relevant issues, including procurement, technology and innovation policy, and worker rights; and support the Institute’s public affairs and communications initiatives.
Facilitate meetings, workshops, and coordinate with departments on issues that involve policy;
Build relationships and develop areas of collaboration with external partners that coordinate similar work.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree in related field or equivalent experience with specific demonstrated experience in with worker organizations;
Graduate degree or applicable experience in relevant discipline preferred;
Demonstrated experience in the labor movement with a union or community organization with a minimum of three years of union/federation, community, women’s agenda or political experience;
At least 5 years of relevant work experience and demonstrated success in relevant areas;
Excellent communication and writing skills, including ability to write policy documents, testimony, regulatory comment, and reports, suggest changes to legislative language, successful ability to speak to large and diverse groups of professionals, youth, leaders and peers;
Demonstrated experience and highly proficient in use of online tools, databases, computer mobilization tools and new media in a professional context. (e.g., social networks, texting, Twitter, other digital platforms);
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks;
Commitment to the principles and goals of the labor movement, social justice and racial equity;
Knowledge and experience with both national and local structures of labor movement;
Demonstrated ability to work independently within the context of a plan as part of a larger team;
Effective organizational and time management skills and able to handle multiple high priority projects;
Ability to create written work plans;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to manage relationships in complex political and sensitive organizational situations;
Ability to travel as required;
Ability to work long hours or weekends as required.
Starting annual salary is $110,000-120,000
Please note that the AFL-CIO Technology Institute requires all staff to be fully vaccinated unless granted a medical or religious exemption as set forth in EEOC guidelines.
Equal Opportunity Employer