Political Coordinator

Political Coordinator

The California Nurses Association (CNA)/National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC)/National Nurses United (NNU) is leading the national movement for registered nurse power 225,000 strong to transform the profit-driven health care industry into a health care system based on prioritizing patient care.

CNA/NNOC/NNU, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, recognizes that building industrial power and holding employers accountable to nurses' collective bargaining rights are essential to recruiting and retaining Registered Nurses, while protecting their freedom to advocate for patients without fear of retaliation.

In California the California Nurses Association passed the first historic Registered Nurse to Patient Safe Staffing law – nurses nationwide understand lives will be changed by safely limiting the number of very sick patients they are responsible for. Safe staffing makes a real difference in patient outcome and a nurse's ability to do the meaningful work they believe in, providing safe patient care.

We are a militant class-conscious trade union building the collective power of working people. We fight for better workplaces, stronger communities, and a society that puts people before profit. We are seeking organizers who are passionate about justice, motivated by collective action, and committed to helping workers build power.

We welcome candidates from labor, community organizing, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, student movements, political campaigns, and other mission-driven backgrounds.

What We Believe In:

• Class Power: We embrace class-struggle – it is through class-struggle we build worker power to defeat the ruling class. Lasting change happens when workers organize and act collectively to improve their workplaces and communities.
• Transformative Change: We are committed to building a stronger labor movement capable of creating meaningful change for working people.
• Political Engagement: Workers have the power to fight back against all forms of oppression that impact our lives through collective action and democratic participation.

Who Thrives Here:

• Deeply committed to justice and solidarity
• Strong relationship builders
• Resilient, adaptable, and willing to learn
• Motivated by collective action and worker empowerment
• Comfortable engaging, persuading, and mobilizing others
• Prepared to work irregular hours, adapt to rapid shifts in priorities, travel, respond to campaigns, support workers during nights and weekends, and make personal sacrifices to advance collective goals.

Position Overview:

We're looking for a Political Coordinator to strengthen and support the relationships of the union with elected officials, governmental agencies, policymakers, and the political community in Illinois and in 15 other states. Under the direction of the Government Relations Director, the Political Coordinator works closely with the Political Director and key leadership within the union. In this role they are responsible for developing, executing, and aligning political and policy programs at the statewide, legislative, and regulatory levels.

What You'll Do - Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison with state and local political leaders in Illinois and across the country at all levels and/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 to elect progressive pro-nurse, pro-labor candidates and pass endorsed ballot measures.
• Support the Political Director in managing the overall endorsement process for state/local ballot measures, legislative, constitutional, and local campaigns for the consideration of the PAC Committee
• 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 legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities set forth by the Union
• Assist in monitoring and reviewing legislation and government agency regulations in support of the Union's policy priorities.
• Support the Political Director in the management of PAC related financial and compliance activities in conjunction with key union leaders.
• Administrative tasks related to candidate endorsement process on state, constitutional, and local level as needed.

What You'll Bring - Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of successful experience in 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 other state politics and their legislative and regulatory process.
• Highly developed communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with allied organizations and labor union
• Demonstrated written and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Effective time management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.

Experience that is helpful but not required:

• Demonstrated knowledge on labor, nursing workforce, or health policy issues.
• 5+ years of successful experience in union or other social justice advocacy.
• 3-5+ years of political, legislative, or issue campaign experience.
• Bachelor's degree a plus or relevant advanced degree a plus.
• Experience in labor or health policy issues.

The hybrid position of Political Coordinator in the Government Relations department is open for appointment in Chicago or Springfield, Illinois.

Compensation and benefits: Competitive salary range commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including comprehensive family health and dental plan, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

Pay Range $111,543.84 —$135,931.68 USD

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

All CNA/NNOC/NNU employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

CNA/NNOC/NNU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

All submitted application materials must be the direct, original work of the applicant; the use of generative A.I. tools to write your resume, cover letter, or responses is prohibited to preserve the integrity of our hiring process.