Michigan AFL-CIO

Field director

Based in Greater Lansing or Metro Detroit, MI

Reports to: Campaigns Manager

FLSA Status: exempt

Job Type: Full-time (temporary position for the duration of the election cycle with an expected end date of November 30, 2026.)

Supervisory Responsibility: Yes – Supervises assigned employees

Work location: Hybrid (based in Greater Lansing or Metro Detroit)

Effective date: October 2025

summary:
the Field director Responsible for leading the implementation of all AFL-CIO field activities and programs to advance Michigan’s business goals. The Field Director leads the field team within the Campaigns Department which has historically consisted of organization specialists and training specialists.

The Field Director is based in Greater Lansing or Metro Detroit.

The Field Director will report to the Michigan AFL-CIO Director of Campaigns. The Field Director’s work plan will be determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO.

Duties:

• Develop and implement direct communication plans to members and/or the general public to drive the agenda for election campaigns, advocacy for other issues and campaigns
• Identify, implement, and test new and effective internal organizational and political tactics and strategies to expand our reach
• Strategically engage union leaders and activists through meaningful opportunities to participate in our programs
• Supervise and assist in the development of direct hires within the department by promoting collaboration, holding them accountable for their work plans and goals, providing regular feedback, and supporting their professional development, all in accordance with Michigan AFL-CIO personnel policies
• Supervising the release of employees within the department when needed
• Organizing and implementing visioning events, town halls, volunteer canvassing efforts, local direct actions and other methods to amplify and advance our issues.
• Update, monitor and manage all department tools, including but not limited to LAN, Action Builder, LUD, VIP/Pilot Light, Working Families Toolkit, and various quantitative and qualitative tracking and reporting tools
• Work in place of the Campaigns Manager as needed
• Work in place of supervisor(s) as needed

Core competencies:

• Strategic organization and campaign planning
• Team leadership and accountability
• Stakeholder engagement and public mobilization
• Data management and reporting
• Commitment to work and social justice

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies or Political Science preferred.
• 3-5 years of work or community organizing experience, or 3-5 years of legislative or campaign experience, including in an administrative or leadership position
• Familiarity with and commitment to the labor movement and understanding of labor goals
• Strong time management and organizational skills are required, including a proven ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in high-pressure situations and under challenging deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to interact successfully with individuals of diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds; Grassroots/labor education skills needed to design and lead workshops aimed at developing leadership and volunteerism; Written communication skills necessary to produce newsletters, flyers, basic telephone scripts, business plans and project reports
• Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of email, Zoom, Teams, and Microsoft Office
• A valid driver’s license, consistent use of a reliable vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and willingness to travel regularly
• Occasional travel to other parts of the state and/or out of state may be necessary. Overnight travel will be rare but may be required
• Long work hours are required, some holiday work, frequent participation in evening and weekend activities, and attendance at early morning calls or events is expected.

compensation: Salary $60,000 – $70,000 with competitive benefits package.

How to apply:
Please submit your CV and brief cover letter to hr@miwdi.org With the subject line “Field director“.

Diversity and equal opportunities:

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, employees, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

organized:
The Michigan AFL-CIO is a non-profit federation of more than forty labor unions representing more than one million workers throughout Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families to achieve economic justice in the workplace and social justice for our state and nation. Michigan AFL-CIO employees may work in collaboration with one or all of our non-profit organizations in the association including:

Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit was created to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting unemployed or underemployed people with the training and resources needed to find gainful employment and Michigan’s transition to a cleaner, greener economy.

Michigan Labor Foundation AFL-CIO: Our 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization was founded to combat economic and social injustice by connecting workers to resources within Michigan’s charitable, educational, and legal systems.

Michigan Advocates AFL-CIO: Our 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization was created to unite labor leaders, policymakers, and the general public to educate and advocate about policies, programs, and projects that can bring economic equity in the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.