United Food and Commercial Workers

Policy Counsel
Legislative and Political Action Department

Based in Washington DC,
near Metro (on-site)
ufcw.org

 

Organization:
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:
Washington DC, near Metro (on-site)

Position Description: 
The Policy Counsel conducts legal and policy research on key labor issues of importance to UFCW and its members and manages special projects. The Policy Counsel will report to the LAPAD Director and collaborate with other LAPAD staff to track and analyze legislative and regulatory developments, conduct legal and policy analysis, contribute to the development of policy positions, build relationships with elected officials, advocacy and other stakeholder groups, create public-facing advocacy documents and manage special projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• Conducts factual research and analysis on policies at the federal, state and local levels.
• Monitors and evaluates regulatory and legal action at the federal, state, and local levels that may have an impact on UFCW members, wages and working conditions, industries, families, and communities. 
• Writes and/or supports others in producing a wide array of policy and advocacy related products including reports, fact sheets, issue briefs, and presentations. 
• Assists Legislative Director by drafting written testimony, correspondence and other materials on the International’s legislative and other public policy positions ensuring timely and high-quality products.
• Assists senior staff in drafting public policy reports and memoranda to support legislative campaigns and other initiatives.
• Represents UFCW at conferences, government groups, national commissions, public forums and with allies.
• Represents the UFCW on legislative issues with elected officials at the AFL-CIO and with partners and allied coalitions.
• Assists senior staff in working with other departments and Regions/Divisions to implement federal and state policy and legislative strategies and related materials.
• Briefs the senior department staff, Department and Region and Division directors on public policy issues, the positions of other unions and the long-term impact on the UFCW.
• Coordinates special projects including project goals, schedules, documentation, as well as staff and consultants. Serves as a point of contact for Agencies or other sponsoring entities related to special projects. Reports all developments to and follows the direction of the Department Director.
• Prepares and presents reports to UFCW International and local union staff and members.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
An advanced degree in Law, Economics, Business, or other Social Science discipline is required; five years of equivalent work experience or equivalent position with a labor union can be substituted. Professional work experience with labor unions is desirable. Quantitative, accounting or financial analysis experience is preferred. Knowledge of the UFCW, its structure and operations, is desirable.

Computer/Software Skills
Incumbent must have mastery of a wide range of personal computer applications.

Communication Skills

• Ability to write, prepare and edit in a clear manner and under tight time limits is essential. 
• Good oral communication skills which include public speaking. 
• Good interpersonal skills. 
• Must exercise discretion involving the interrelationships among the International, regional offices, local unions and members.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Ability to organize time efficiently and work accurately under exacting deadlines. 
• Experience with research techniques including computerized information gathering, professional interviewing skills and ability to interface professionally and socially with financial and industry advisors, consultants, and experts. 
• Project management skills, from development through final execution are required. 

Personal Characteristics

• A driving commitment to the mission of the UFCW to better the living standards of workers in represented industries is deemed a necessary personal characteristic to serve as a foundation for success in the job.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment in a support role.

Job Demands

• Work often is performed under stressful situations, with multiple projects occurring simultaneously under deadline. Continuous irregular or unpredictable hours are the norm. 
• Frequent and last-minute travel is necessary.

Working Conditions

• The work requires irregular hours and extensive travel. 
• The work is performed in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
• Attendance at meetings or events off-site and after normal working hours is sometimes required. 
• The work atmosphere is fast-paced and deadline-oriented. 

Physical Demands
This position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communications skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to state the federal laws.

COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $89,996 – $109,996.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration: 
This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled. 

Vaccination Requirement: The UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé to: humanresources@ufcw.org    

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer.
Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.