Director of Chicago and Cook County Legislative and Political Affairs

Position Summary

Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 is the umbrella organization for all Teamster Local Unions in Illinois and northwest Indiana representing more than 100,000 men and women in nearly every industry from transportation and construction to healthcare and government.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 is seeking a highly motivated and politically experienced professional to serve as Director of Chicago & Cook County Legislative and Political Affairs. This position will lead and coordinate Joint Council 25’s legislative, governmental, and political advocacy efforts before the Chicago City Council, Cook County Board of Commissioners, municipal and county departments, sister agencies, and other local governmental entities throughout the Chicago metropolitan region.

The successful candidate will advocate on behalf of Teamster members and affiliated local unions on issues involving labor relations, workforce protections, infrastructure investment, public policy, economic development, procurement, transportation, public safety, and worker rights. This individual will work closely with elected officials, labor coalitions, community stakeholders, and Joint Council leadership to advance the priorities of Teamsters throughout Chicago and Cook County.

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent Joint Council 25 before the Chicago Mayor’s Office, Chicago City Council, Cook County Board of Commissioners, local governmental agencies, and related boards and commissions.
• Monitor, analyze, and track local ordinances, resolutions, policy initiatives, budget matters, labor issues, and regulatory proposals affecting Teamster members.
• Develop and implement strategic legislative and political advocacy plans related to city and county government.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, chiefs of staff, department leadership, labor organizations, coalition partners, and community organizations.
• Draft legislative analyses, position statements, testimony, talking points, communications, and policy recommendations.
• Coordinate political engagement efforts, including endorsements and contributions, candidate interviews, labor coalition activity, grassroots mobilization, and member outreach.
• Attend city council meetings, county board meetings, committee hearings, political events, labor meetings, and stakeholder discussions.
• Assist affiliated local unions with governmental affairs, public policy concerns, and legislative strategy.
• Provide regular strategic updates and reports to Joint Council leadership regarding legislative and political developments.
• Support broader Joint Council political and organizing initiatives throughout the region.

Qualifications

• Experience in government affairs, lobbying, public policy, labor relations, political campaigns, municipal government, or related fields preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Chicago and Cook County governmental structures, legislative processes, and political landscape.
• Excellent communication, writing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced political and legislative environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and political judgment.
• Commitment to organized labor and advocacy for working people.
• Familiarity with unions, collective bargaining, workforce issues, and labor coalitions preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, though equivalent experience will be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Vehicle/travel reimbursement as applicable.
• Opportunity to work on high-level labor, legislative, and political initiatives impacting working families throughout the Chicago region.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample outlining relevant experience in legislative affairs, political advocacy, labor relations, or public policy to [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a strong, diverse, and inclusive labor movement.

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person