Advocate for Workers: Legislative & Political Impact

AFSCME Maryland Council 3; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 61,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 is seeking a Legislative and Political Advocate to advance public services and workers' rights. Based in Baltimore with occasional Annapolis drives, you will engage lawmakers, mobilize members, and support AFSCME PEOPLE through strategic campaigns.

The role requires 2+ years in labor or political advocacy, understanding Maryland government, and strong communication. You will recruit members, organize campaigns, track priorities, and help prepare testimony and hearings.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in labor, community, or political advocacy.
• Familiarity with Maryland state and local government structure and elected officials.
• Dedication to workers’ rights and the labor movement.
• Familiarity and knowledge of unions and/or the labor movement.
• Ability to organize and mobilize union members to advocate for AFSCME’s legislative and political goals at the state and local level.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to accomplish the mission and goals of Council 3.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with diverse communities and in a multi-cultural environment.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of ethnic, cultural, and societal differences is required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers, union members, and community members.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs, Zoom, VAN, other campaign platforms, and social media platforms.
• A valid driver’s license is a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Advocate before the Maryland General Assembly, state regulatory bodies, and local governments including, but not limited to, county councils, school boards, and library boards.
• Develop and foster union member engagement for legislative and political advocacy campaigns at the state and local level.
• Track budgetary and legislative priorities at the state and local government level and assist members with testimony preparation and public hearing preparation.
• Work with local unions and staff to build political organizing and advocacy campaigns.
• Recruit union members who help elect and hold politicians accountable.
• Organize and implement political programming to help elect AFSCME endorsed political candidates.
• Increase participation in AFSCME’s political action committee by working with local unions and staff on coordinated PAC drives.
• Assist local unions and staff with the candidate endorsement recommendation process.
• Conduct site visits and attend union meetings to identify issues and increase engagement in the union’s legislative and political program.
• Work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, when necessary, in order to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Work with the Council 3 team to advance all union priorities and goals.

Skills

Labor advocacy

Political advocacy

Public policy

Community organizing

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

VAN

Campaign platforms

Social media

Job description

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 is seeking a Legislative and Political Advocate to advance public services and workers' rights. Based in Baltimore with occasional Annapolis drives, you will engage lawmakers, mobilize members, and support AFSCME PEOPLE through strategic campaigns.

The role requires 2+ years in labor or political advocacy, understanding Maryland government, and strong communication. You will recruit members, organize campaigns, track priorities, and help prepare testimony and hearings.