Political Coordinator

California Nurses Association / National Nurses Organizing Committee / National Nurses United•Chicago, IL

21h•$111,544 - $135,932•Hybrid

About The Position

The California Nurses Association (CNA), National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), and National Nurses United (NNU) are seeking a Political Coordinator to strengthen and support the union’s relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, and the political community in Illinois and 15 other states. The role develops, executes, and aligns political and policy programs at statewide, legislative, and regulatory levels. The position is in the Government Relations department and works under the direction of the Government Relations Director, in close coordination with the Political Director and key union leadership. It is a hybrid position based in Chicago or Springfield, Illinois. The union describes itself as a class-conscious trade union focused on worker power, justice, solidarity, and collective action. Candidates from labor, community organizing, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, student movements, political campaigns, and other mission-driven backgrounds are welcome. The role requires adaptability, relationship-building, political engagement, and willingness to work irregular hours, travel, respond to campaigns, and support workers during nights and weekends. Compensation is listed as $111,543.84–$135,931.68 USD, commensurate with experience. The benefits package includes family health and dental coverage, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities. A background check is required for employment.

Requirements

At least 3 years of successful experience in a union or other social justice advocacy organization.
Ability to develop, build, and maintain professional relationships with government leaders, staff, coalition partners, and potential allies.
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of governmental relations and related issues.
Working knowledge of Illinois or another state’s politics and legislative and regulatory processes.
Highly developed communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with allied organizations and labor unions.
Demonstrated written and analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team.
Effective time-management skills, including the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
Willingness to work irregular hours, adapt to changing priorities, travel, respond to campaigns, and support workers during nights and weekends.
Completion of a background check is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of labor, nursing workforce, or health policy issues.
At least 5 years of successful experience in a union or other social justice advocacy organization.
3–5 or more years of political, legislative, or issue campaign experience.
Bachelor’s degree or relevant advanced degree.
Experience in labor or health policy issues.

Responsibilities

Serve as a liaison with state and local political leaders in Illinois and across the country, or their political teams, as needed.
Develop and strengthen the union’s statewide political program in Illinois and other states with the PAC Committee to help elect progressive, pro-nurse, pro-labor candidates and pass endorsed ballot measures.
Support the Political Director in managing the endorsement process for state and local ballot measures, legislative campaigns, constitutional campaigns, and local campaigns for PAC Committee consideration.
Manage coalition engagement and outreach to statewide labor and other political and policy organizations, and represent the union at coalition tables for endorsed positions on state and local ballot measure campaigns.
Develop and write position letters, testimony, talking points, and other advocacy materials on union legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities.
Assist in monitoring and reviewing legislation and government agency regulations in support of the union’s policy priorities.
Support the Political Director in managing PAC-related financial and compliance activities with key union leaders.
Perform administrative tasks related to candidate endorsements at the state, constitutional, and local levels as needed.