UDW Overview: 
United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 is a statewide labor union that represents more than 200,000 home care and family child care providers in 45 counties in California. Founded in 1979, UDW is a diverse, progressive labor organization that seeks dynamic, committed individuals who will support our members and those for whom they care locally, statewide and at the national level. 

UDW is one of California’s largest labor unions. We consistently support and lead important social justice initiatives like fighting for racial justice, income inequality, and affordable health care for all. We are committed to respect and dignity for seniors, people with disabilities, and the children in our care.  We fight for better working conditions and fair pay for home care and child care providers, and full funding for life-saving programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and subsidized family child care. For more information about UDW, please visit our website at www.udwa.org.

Job Information: 
Job Title: Assistant Political Director
Job Type: Exempt (Salary) 
Department: State Government Affairs
Reports to: Director of State Government Affairs  
Job Location: Sacramento, CA 
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to changes)
Salary Range: $120,000.00 to $150,000.00/year (depending on experience)
Work Arrangements: In office

Job Summary:
The Assistant Political Director will play a key role in supporting the Director of State Government Affairs in developing and implementing strategic plans to grow UDW’s political power. This includes conducting research and analysis on political trends and candidates at the state and local levels. The assistant political director will assist in organizing and executing political events and campaigns, collaborate with internal teams to implement political initiatives, and manage internal databases efficiently. 
The Assistant Political Director will manage the candidate endorsement process from start to finish. The role involves coordinating outreach efforts with regional political coordinators, drafting communications, interviewing candidates, and making recommendations on endorsements to UDW’s elected leaders. Additionally, the Assistant Political Director will help develop and implement voter registration and engagement efforts including Get Out the Vote (GOTV). They will manage UDW’s Political Action Committees and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and contribute to the organization's political agenda through dedicated efforts and participation in strategic planning sessions. 

Duties and Responsibilities:    

•    Support the Director of State Government Affairs by developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve political objectives.
•    Conduct thorough research and analysis on political trends, issues, and candidates to provide valuable insights that inform decision-making processes.
•    Lead the organization and execution of political campaigns and events, meetings, and campaigns to enhance engagement and impact.
•     Lead and participate in UDW’s electoral and political campaigns, including, but not limited to, Get Out the Vote (GOTV). This may include extended travel to and on the ground field work in locations around the state and country, as needed.
•    Under direction of SGA Director, manage the UDW candidate endorsement process from start to finish including preparing and updating candidate questionnaires.
•    Manage and/or lead Independent Expenditure campaigns with strict adherence to the law. 
•    Facilitate campaign contributions as directed.
•    Manage ADEMS elections in order to grow UDW delegation to state and national Democratic party. Conduct trainings for ADEM and other delegates. 
•    Manage internal databases and tracking systems to monitor political activities and contacts efficiently.
•    Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, labor and community leaders, and advocacy groups.
•    Monitor legislative proposals and policy changes to evaluate their impact on political landscape.
•    Represent the organization at political events, meetings, and public forums to advocate for strategic interests.
•    Manage scheduling and logistics for political meetings, briefings, and events throughout the state to ensure seamless operations.
•    Monitor media coverage and public opinion on political issues and candidates to stay informed and responsive.
•    Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including the California Labor Federation and Central Labor Councils around the state, other coalitions, and allies to strengthen collaboration and advocacy efforts.
•    Track and analyze campaign finance data and political spending trends for informed decision-making.
•    Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of political strategies and tactics to optimize impact and outcomes.
•    Support voter engagement and mobilization efforts through targeted initiatives and outreach programs.
•    Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards in all political activities to uphold integrity.
•    Stay informed about political developments, trends, and emerging issues at the local, state, and federal levels to adapt strategies accordingly.
•    Manage information sharing and coordination among UDW staff and volunteers  working on different aspects of political campaigns for synergy.
•    Evaluate the performance of political programs and initiatives to identify areas for enhancement and innovation.
•    Leading and coordinating training sessions for UDW staff and members on the electoral process and other topics as needed
•    Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information carefully, adhering to data protection and privacy regulations.
•    Create and implement Standard Operating Procedures to maintain efficient workflows. Identify opportunities for improvement and recommending enhancements to optimize UDW’s efficiency and effectiveness.
•    Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of the role, serving as a reliable and trusted resource for management and colleagues. 
•    Assist with department projects and perform other duties as assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of work in this job classification. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 
•    Develop the skills of staff through training, coaching, and mentoring, fostering professional growth and advancement.
•    Provide guidance and support to ensure staff's compliance with UDW policies and procedures and members’ compliance with the UDW Constitution.
•    Organize workflow and allocate tasks, ensuring that employees understand their duties and responsibilities.
•    Monitor employee productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching to enhance performance.
•    Receive and address complaints and resolve problems promptly and effectively.
•    Maintain accurate timekeeping and other records pertaining to employee hours, leave, and attendance.
•    Serve as a liaison between upper management and employees, conveying relevant information and feedback.
•    Prepare and submit performance reports, highlighting achievements, areas for improvement, and progress towards goals.
•    Make decisions on rewards and promotional opportunities based on performance evaluations and merit.
•    Ensure strict adherence to legal requirements and union policies and procedures, taking appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary.
•    Perform any additional duties as assigned by upper management to support organizational objectives. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
•    In-depth knowledge of political processes, government structures, and legislative procedures. Understanding the intricacies of political campaigns, government operations, and the legislative process is essential for navigating the political landscape effectively.
•    Ability to analyze complex policy issues, assess implications, and develop informed recommendations. 
•    Proficiency in advocating for political priorities, building coalitions, and influencing decision-makers. Demonstrating strong advocacy skills, coalition-building abilities, and influencing key stakeholders are necessary for advancing political goals and initiatives.
•    Experience in developing and implementing strategic advocacy plans to achieve political goals. A track record of developing strategic advocacy plans, executing political campaigns, and achieving desired outcomes.
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills, including drafting persuasive messaging and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
•    Skill in cultivating and maintaining relationships with legislators, policymakers, and other influential individuals. Building and nurturing relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders is essential for gaining support and advancing political objectives.
•    Knowledge of campaign finance regulations and compliance requirements. Understanding campaign finance laws, regulations, and compliance standards is vital for conducting political activities ethically and legally.
•    Experience in organizing and coordinating advocacy and political campaigns, events, and initiatives. Proven ability to plan, execute, and manage campaigns, events, and initiatives effectively to achieve desired political outcomes.
•    Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to address political challenges and opportunities. Demonstrating strategic insight, analytical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities to navigate complex political landscapes and overcome obstacles.
•    Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and lead cross-functional initiatives. Working effectively within teams, fostering collaboration, and leading cross-functional projects to achieve common political goals and objectives.
•    Knowledge of public policy issues, political trends, and emerging developments. Staying informed about current public policy issues, political trends, and emerging developments is essential for anticipating changes and adapting advocacy strategies accordingly.
•    Experience in conducting stakeholder analysis, identifying key influencers, and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in analyzing stakeholders, identifying key influencers, and engaging with various stakeholders to build support and consensus around political initiatives.
•    Skill in crafting and delivering impactful presentations, briefings, and testimony. Ability to create compelling presentations, briefings, and testimony to effectively communicate political priorities, influence decision-makers, and mobilize support.
•    Knowledge of data analysis and interpretation to inform evidence-based campaign strategies. Using data analysis and interpretation to make data-driven decisions, measure the impact of advocacy efforts, and refine strategy for optimal results.
•    Experience monitoring legislative activities, tracking policy developments, and assessing potential impacts. 
•    Superior Political acumen with insight and understanding of power dynamics to navigate political environments effectively. 
•    Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines. Experience Managing multiple tasks, handling high pressure situations, prioritizing effectively, and delivering high-quality work within demanding timeframes.
•    Knowledge of grassroots organizing principles, mobilization strategies, and community engagement techniques to mobilize support, build coalitions, and drive political change.
•    Experience using social media, digital tools, and online platforms for advocacy and outreach. Leveraging social media, digital tools, and online platforms to amplify advocacy messages, engage supporters, and expand reach for political campaigns and initiatives.
•    Commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in political advocacy. Upholding ethical standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in all political activities to maintain trust, credibility, and integrity in the advocacy efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
•    7-10 years of experience in political campaigns, government relations, or advocacy organizations.
•    Experience managing and leading teams, overseeing projects, and coordinating advocacy efforts.
•    Skilled with political databases, project management, and voter engagement tools.
•    Established network of contacts within political circles, including legislators, policymakers, and advocacy groups.
•    Experience in crisis management, issue mitigation, and conflict resolution within a political context.

Requirements: 
•    Willingness to travel with reliable transposition, and ability to work flexible hours and work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Employee Benefits:
•    Health Insurance
•    Dental Insurance
•    Vision Insurance
•    Life / AD&D
•    Long Term Disability (LTD)
•    401(k) Savings Plan
•    Pension Plan
•    Paid Vacation Days
•    Paid Sick Leave
•    Personal Day (8 hours)
•    16 Paid Holiday
•    Floating Holiday
•    Upskilling through eLearning Platforms 

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment: 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments which can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Notice of E-Verify Participation: 
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS (888) 897-7781, dhs.gov/e-verify

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please visit UDW’s career page and submit your application.
UDW’s career link →   https://udwa.hiringplatform.com/list/careers