Political Research Analyst - Political Action
| Department: | Political Action |
| Salary Range: | $60,901 - $107,022 |
| Grade: | United Staff Union Grade 8/9/10 |
| Posting Date: | 6/22/2009 |
This position will be filled at the grade commensurate with the knowledge and experience of the selected applicant.
The primary responsibility of this position is to maintain a political research database and conduct research aimed at developing a political research function used to assess political campaigns and elections at the federal, state and local levels, and to use the information developed in support of AFSCME's political action objectives.
DUTIES: Monitors all presidential, congressional campaigns and state and local initiatives and elections that have been identified by AFSCME, field personnel and affiliates as being key races within their regions. Assists with the training of International and affiliate staff on the LAN (Labor Action Network) system and support the users. Manages the AFSCME political database, working with staff and affiliates to track and monitor data and records including voter contact, activists and other fields as necessary. Responsible for updating, maintaining and tracking of AFSCME election related data. May provide voter file data to staff, affiliates, and the polling center. May work with the IS Department to synchronize LAN with AFSCME’s Enterprise database. Acts as the Political Action Department’s liaison with the Public Affairs Department to create and maintain the political portion of the AFSCME website. May work with the National Committee for an Effective Congress (NCEC) to provide data to AFSCME staff and affiliates, state parties, state legislative caucuses and other organizations. Uses the LAN as a research tool as well as to provide membership information to staff and affiliates. Researches and prepares campaign assessment profiles indicating: the issues, outcome of previous elections, likely candidates and their voting records, demographic analysis of the district, and affiliate member views and relative concentration within the voting district. Responsible for the gathering of polling information and the analysis of such information. Prepares back up and eye openers as necessary for officers and department staff. Outlines and critiques issues and options, writes reports, develops proposals and strategies and works with staff and affiliates on political campaigns. Confers with field area directors, staff and affiliate officials to determine what in-kind resources can be made available. Assists Polling Center staff with the development of polling instruments for use in measuring support for candidates and/or issues. Attends meetings and deliberations of various labor and issue-oriented groups (AFL-CIO, political party committees, etc) to represent AFSCME’s interests. Conducts one or more workshop sessions during conferences. May act as an instructor at Political Action training programs where members are taught how to manage various functions of a political campaign. May be called upon to organize and coordinate AFSCME's membership efforts in a political campaign and performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in political science, government, or a related field; and relevant work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of political campaign issues and campaign mechanics. Knowledge of information systems, data-mining techniques and metrics. Knowledge of FEC laws and regulations. Ability to perform financial analysis. Advanced knowledge in campaign targeting, statistical modeling and analytical metrics. Knowledge of labor unions and their role in political campaigns. Knowledge of the development, implementation and analysis of opinion polling and focus groups. Knowledge of computer software and web applications associated with campaign data gathering or planning. Knowledge of political opposition research. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work under pressure within tight deadlines. Ability to develop training curriculum and conduct workshops. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to conduct sound and thorough research and make logical conclusions. Occasional travel, extended work hours and a valid driver’s are required. Temporary relocation may be necessary. Commitment to the union and its mission.