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Job Posting: Legislative Director

CT AFL-CIO
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Legislative Director

Based in Rocky Hill, CT

ABOUT US

The Connecticut American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is dedicated to improving the lives of working people. We represent a diverse coalition of hundreds of local unions, comprising almost 250,000 union members in the private sector, public sector, and building trades. Our members live and work in every city and town in our state and reflect the diversity that makes Connecticut great.

Together with our affiliates, Area Labor Federations, labor chapters, and community partners, we strive to ensure that all working people are treated fairly with decent wages, benefits, safe working conditions, dignity, equal opportunities, and a voice on the job.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Connecticut AFL-CIO is seeking an experienced and passionate Legislative Director to lead our lobbying efforts and to assist our Political Director with our political campaign efforts. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in lobbying, electoral politics, a strong policy background, and the ability to drive strategic initiatives from conception to execution.

This role will involve significant writing and policy work. The Legislative Director will be expected to craft and execute legislative strategies that advance the AFL-CIO’s priorities while effectively engaging union members, affiliates, leaders, and our community allies.

This position is based out of our headquarters in Rocky Hill, CT, but it allows for some remote work. During Connecticut’s legislative session, the Legislative Director will be expected to spend a significant amount of time in Hartford.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Legislative & Policy Leadership

  • Program Direction: Direct the comprehensive Connecticut AFL-CIO legislative program; drive the development and execution of a unified labor policy agenda in close collaboration with affiliate unions and coalition allies.
  • Direct Lobbying: Conduct high-impact direct lobbying of elected officials across all levels of government to secure legislative victories for working families.
  • Bill Tracking & Analysis: Systematically track and review state legislation introduced during the legislative session to ensure all critical labor issues are identified and addressed.
  • Policy & Advocacy Material Development: Author persuasive public testimony, detailed fact sheets, policy briefs, and budget summaries to advance the labor agenda.

Affiliate Coordination & Committee Management

  • Coalition Mobilization: Mobilize and coordinate affiliate labor lobbyists and strategic coalition partners to leverage collective power and advance shared goals.
  • Affiliate Strategy & Alignment: Draft structured testimony guides and provide operational updates to prepare leadership and affiliate unions for hearings. Manage inter-affiliate communication to ensure alignment on logistical details and policy positions.
  • Committee Staffing: Staff the Connecticut AFL-CIO Legislative and Resolutions Committees, managing operations and drafting organizational resolutions when required.
  • Lobbyist & Coalition Meetings: Lead labor lobbyist meetings to coordinate strategy, share legislative updates, and maintain a unified front at the Capitol.
  • Reporting: Prepare and distribute weekly bill tracking reports to keep leadership and affiliates informed. Develop a comprehensive budget analysis and post session summary. Prepare legislative updates for Executive Board meetings as needed.
  • Legislative Scorecard: Compile, write, and publish the biennial legislative scorecard.

Electoral & Grassroots Campaigns

  • Electoral Strategy: Partner with our leadership and Connecticut AFL-CIO staff to execute state and federal electoral strategies aimed at electing pro-worker candidates.
  • Campaign Research & Materials: Assist the Political Director by conducting political research on candidates and drafting campaign materials.
  • Field & Mobilization Support: Staff and support labor walks during political campaigns and supervise field staff to build grassroots mobilization capacity across individual locals and Area Labor Federations.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Professional Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in legislative program development and implementation, and direct lobbying (municipal, state, and/or federal).
  • Campaign Experience: Experience managing political or electoral mobilization programs.
  • Labor Movement Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience and deep familiarity with the labor movement and its structure.
  • Mission Alignment: A deep, proven commitment to building a strong labor movement dedicated to advancing economic, social, and racial justice.
  • Project & Strategic Management: Proven ability to implement a strategic plan and manage multiple complex campaigns simultaneously in a high-pressure environment requiring rapid adjustments to changing priorities and deadlines.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a dynamic ability to build strong relationships, convey complex policy ideas clearly, and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and constituencies.
  • Adaptability & Work Ethic: A strong work ethic with the ability to thrive both independently and collaboratively within a demanding, fast-paced team environment.
  • Logistics & Flexibility: Flexibility and availability to work long hours, evenings, and weekends as needed to respond to rapid-response issues. A valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and a willingness to travel within Connecticut and seldomly across the region is required.
  • Technical Skills: Strong computer proficiency and digital literacy.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Salary Range: $80,000 to $102,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience.
  • Allowances & Reimbursements: Potential for up to an additional $11,640 per year in vehicle, cell phone, and home office reimbursements. Eligibility is pursuant to conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive high-quality benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement Security: Excellent retirement benefits featuring both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package including vacation, personal days, sick leave, observed holidays, and compensatory time.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINE

To apply, please include:

  • Cover letter
  • Résumé
  • Three professional references

Please email all materials to ctafl-cio@ctaflcio.org.

Deadline to apply is Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.