We're Hiring a Chief of Staff

Job Description for NC State AFL-CIO Chief of Staff

About the North Carolina State AFL-CIO

The North Carolina State AFL-CIO is the state federation of labor unions in North Carolina, representing more than 120,000 affiliated members. We support affiliates and Central Labor Councils (CLCs) in organizing, bargaining, legislative and political work in a battleground, right-to-work state with fast-changing demographics.

Position summary

The Chief of Staff runs the federation's day-to-day operations and manages its staff, so the President and Executive Board can focus on strategy and leadership. The Chief of Staff turns the Executive Board's goals into staff work plans, keeps projects on time and within budget, and assists the President in leading the federation's strategic planning process.

Reports to: President
Works closely with: Executive Board, CLC leadership, affiliates, community partners and the National AFL-CIO
Supervises: All federation staff, including organizing, field, data, communications and administrative staff
Classification: Full-time, salaried, FLSA-exempt managerial position, not in the staff bargaining unit
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, with regular in-state and occasional out-of-state travel
Hours: Minimum expectation of 40 hours a week, though hours may vary based on work assignment.

Key responsibilities

Staff management and operations

Direct and coordinate staff work every day: set priorities, assign responsibilities, organize workflows and resolve conflicts between competing demands.
Hold regular staff meetings and individual check-ins; track progress against work plans and goals.
Build accountability systems for staff performance and professional development plans.
Advise the President on aligning staff skills with priorities, staff performance concerns, discipline, staffing needs, and hiring.
Comply with the collective bargaining agreement and maintain a constructive working relationship with the staff union.
Assist the President in leading open, inclusive hiring processes for new staff positions as necessary.
Ensure grant-funded staff attend required AFL-CIO trainings, including LAN, electoral and legislative trainings and the Leadership Institute when requested.

Strategic planning

Assist the President to set strategic pathways toward goals established by the Executive Board.
Assist the federation in its strategic planning process, starting no later than the first quarter of 2027, building on results of the pre-strategic planning survey of affiliates.
Support a strong community engagement program.
Review and approve the annual work plans staff develop, with measurable goals and timelines, so they carry out the strategic plan.

Programs and campaigns

Supervise the staff who run organizing, mobilization, legislative and political programs, including the Campaign Manager, so each program fits the federation's overall priorities.
Supervise and support the bargaining unit staff, removing obstacles and securing resources for their campaigns.
Supervise the Field Program Coordinator's work with CLCs and ensure it supports the federation's strategic plan.
Ensure staff work plans align with National AFL-CIO programs, including Labor 2026 and Labor 2028 electoral work.

Budget and sustainability

Assist the President and Finance Committee to build and monitor organizational and program budgets.
Review financial reports to track spending against budgets and flag problems early.
Assist the President and/or Finance Committee to develop long-term funding for staff positions, including affiliation growth, grants and other revenue, so grant-funded work continues after the grant period.

Grant compliance and reporting

Assist with grant compliance and reporting obligations.
Ensure field and volunteer activity is reported accurately in LAN or PDI, working through the Data and Program Coordinator.
Keep the President and Executive Board informed with regular status updates on all active projects.

Relationships

Build strong working relationships with Executive Board members, affiliate and CLC leaders, community partners, elected officials, government agencies and the National AFL-CIO.
Represent the federation at meetings and events as assigned by the President.
Other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications

Required

At least 5 years of experience in the labor movement, political campaigns or community organizing, including at least 2 years supervising staff.
A track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Proven ability to manage staff, delegate, organize workflows and hold people accountable while keeping strong working relationships.
Experience building and managing budgets and work plans.
Strategic planning experience, ideally leading a planning process with multiple stakeholders.
Strong relationship-building skills with labor leaders, coalition partners, elected officials and affiliates.
Excellent written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work well in politically sensitive, high-pressure settings.
Willingness to travel regularly in North Carolina and occasionally out of state; valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Computer proficiency: email, spreadsheets, word processing, video conferencing.

Preferred

Experience in a state federation, area labor federation, CLC or international union.
Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and managing represented staff.
Experience with LAN, VAN or PDI, and with grant reporting.
Knowledge of North Carolina's labor, political and legislative landscape.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

Salary and benefits

Salary: $80,000–95,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Medical, dental and vision coverage; retirement plan; paid vacation and sick leave; reimbursement of covered work expenses.

How to apply

Email both your Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected] by November 20th. Provide references only upon request. No calls please.