Senior Associate - Higher Education

American Federation of Teachers

Senior Associate
Higher Education

Based in Washington, DC

Notice of Open Position: July 6, 2026
Job Title: Senior Associate
Unit: AFTSU
Job Number: 604491530
Supervisor: Director, AFT Higher Education
Department: AFT Higher Education
Annual Salary: $102,464.00

The AFT is a union of professionals that champions fairness, democracy, economic opportunity and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our members, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.

The AFT is a place-based employer, and this position is assigned to the AFT National headquarters office in Washington, D.C. Occasional travel is required.

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the department director, the Senior Associate works on higher ed team, supporting and advancing the division’s initiatives, programs and campaigns; researching and writing materials; analyzing and summarizing current professional issues confronting higher ed. members; coordinating and conducting educational programs, conference, and meetings; communicating with and supporting our higher education affiliates through resource and workshop development and representing the division at meetings and conferences. This position will be based in Washington, DC and will require some travel and evening and weekend work.

Position Responsibilities:

• Track and analyze industry changes that will impact higher ed members, students, the community, and our affiliates.
• Collaborate in the development of internal communications that advance the AFT’s initiatives and national campaigns.
• Create materials including fact sheets, white papers, workshops and other content in support of national and affiliate issues and advocacy campaigns.
• Assist in developing programs and agendas for the professional issues conference and other meetings and trainings, as assigned.
• Schedule and conduct training for affiliates and leaders.
• Represent the division at various national meetings and conferences.
• Support and coordinate opportunities to work in coalition with partner organizations in support AFT’s goals.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Higher Education.

Primary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience conducting presentations and writing internal newsletters.
• 3 or more years relevant employment experience in higher education unions or higher education advocacy organizations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and travel as needed.    
• Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree preferred.
• Experience working on higher education union campaigns and/or union representation of higher education workers is preferred.
• Understanding of the AFT and/or its affiliates is a plus.

Application requirements:
External applicants may apply using the link:

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