About the New York City District Council of Carpenters
The New York City District Council of Carpenters (NYCDCC) is a diverse body representing thousands of New York City’s most skilled workers. NYCDCC is part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, one of North America’s largest building-trades unions, with nearly a half-million members in the construction and wood-products industries.
NYCDCC is the voice of over 20,000 of the city’s Carpenters, Millwrights, Dockbuilders, Marine Divers, Core Drillers, Timbermen, Concrete Carpenters, Cabinetmakers, Floorcoverers and Industrial Workers. Our family is made up of the most skilled tradespeople in New York. United across nine locals, we fight for the rights, safety, and wages of our members.
Our voices, united, give us power. From the job site to the capitol building, we fight for the rights, safety, and wages of our members. Together, we are building the future of our city.
The strength of the union comes from its members. In the NYC Carpenters union, every member has a voice. From contract negotiations to political endorsements, our union brothers and sisters are represented in every decision that is made.
Position Overview
The NYCDCC is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its Political Director.
This is an incredible opportunity for a talented strategist, communicator, and organizer to build on a sophisticated political program in a union with a long history of successfully fighting for workers and their families.
The Political Director will strengthen the political capacity of the union and build power for its members in New York City and New York State. Working closely with Council leaders, the Political Director will shape and set the agenda for the Council’s political program and lead electoral, legislative, and issue-based campaigns to advance the Carpenter’s priorities.
The Political Director will build and maintain relationships with key political figures, including federal, state and city elected and appointed officials, other labor union leaders, and community organizations. The Political Director will also continue to build political power by educating, activating and organizing members and staff through the Carpenters Rise program.
The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with a deep belief in the power of union membership and collective action, a high-level understanding of New York City and New York State politics, a strong commitment to electing champions for working families, and an unrelenting drive to build political power for the NYCDCC’s members.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and execute strategies to grow political power for NYCDCC’s members
• Work with the officers and other senior staff to help shape and set the overall agenda for NYCDCC’s political program
• Direct the development and implementation of the Carpenters Rise political program, including:
• Member engagement, training and activation around electoral, legislative and issue campaigns
• Passing legislation that reflects NYCDCC priorities
• Endorsements in support of candidates for elected office at every level
• Increasing member participation in the union PAC
• Marshall the resources of the union to achieve political power, including member activity, endorsements, and campaign contributions
• Collaborate with District Council leaders and senior staff to manage relationships and coalitions with partners, including other labor unions, advocates and community organizations
• Drive the candidate evaluation process, including endorsements and contributions
• Manage, mentor, and develop the political department staff
Key Qualifications
• 8+ years of experience in political campaigns, issue advocacy organizations, labor unions or community organizations
• Ability to inspire and energize members to take political action
• Demonstrated experience as a fierce advocate and campaigner for union members and pro-union policies and candidates
• Experience working with the press strongly preferred
• Proven skills to develop and implement strategic plans for political, legislative or issue-based campaigns
• Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of political campaigns
• Experience working with and building coalitions
• A good sense of humor and the ability to take the work, but not take yourself, seriously
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, highly spirited environment
• Deep commitment to the mission, vision, and values of NYCDCC
• Flexibility with work schedule; this position requires early morning, evening, and weekend work
• Ability to travel up to 25% of time
Position Location
This in-person position is based in New York, New York, with travel expected.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $140,000 to $160,000.
The final salary will be commensurate with experience, technical expertise, and leadership background. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills, education, and experience. The NYCDCC offers a competitive benefits package, including 100% Employer-Paid Health Benefits, Employer-Funded Annuity (Retirement Plan), and Paid Time Off.
To Apply
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume online at: https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply. The cover letter should be concise and compelling and outline the specific ways in which you are the right person for this position. Do not use AI to write your cover letter – we want to see how you write and think. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
It is the policy of the District Council to provide employment opportunities without regard to race, gender, gender identity, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital or partnership status, disability, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other classification protected by law. Our policy applies to all employment decisions including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, promotions, transfers, appraisals, pay, benefits, discipline, separation, work assignments, and other terms and conditions of employment.
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