Job Number:
HC-03866
Date Posted:
March 21, 2026
Position Title:
Political Director
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Office/Company:
American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
Reports To:
Location:
Washington, DC
Contact:
Salary:
$120,000 – $200,000
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is a fast-growing union of higher education workers with 55,000 members at colleges and universities nationwide. We invite applications for a Political Director who is committed to building a powerful and democratic union and transforming higher education workers into a political force.In consultation with elected leadership, develop legislative agendas and draft policy position papers outlining AAUP’s position on identified policy priorities, working cross-functionally within AAUP’s national office and with membership to refine, finalize, and publish position papers.Five or more years of experience in a federal or state legislative office, government affairs, or advocacy.
Responsibilities:
• In consultation with elected leadership, develop legislative agendas and draft policy position papers outlining AAUP’s position on identified policy priorities, working cross-functionally within AAUP’s national office and with membership to refine, finalize, and publish position papers.
• In consultation with the Executive Director, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate departmental staff.
• Monitor federal legislation and executive actions, as well as developments from advocacy organizations, think tanks, and key states, to inform policy positions and government affairs strategy.
• Foster relationships with members of Congress, their staff, and federal agencies to promote AAUP principles and advance organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities to comment on federal regulations and draft comment letters.
• Identify opportunities to testify or submit comments in federal or state legislative hearings, and support witnesses in drafting testimony and preparing for hearings.
Qualifications:
• Five or more years of experience in a federal or state legislative office, government affairs, or advocacy.
• Demonstrated success designing and implementing grassroots legislative campaigns and lobbying efforts.
• Experience with digital political organizing tools.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, along with computer proficiency (including MS Office).
• Commitment to racial equity.
• Associate degree.
Instructions:
Email <ddress>
Other:
Equal opportunity employer. and does not discriminate based on age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance.
