The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 2021 to bring the voices of working people into technology development, research, and innovation policy. The Institute is seeking a Senior Counsel/Advisor to conduct research into collective bargaining on new technology, contribute to its policy work, and help workers navigate an era of rapid technological change across the economy, public services, and the workplace.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collective Bargaining

• In coordination with other senior staff, direct the Institute’s collective bargaining work related to the introduction of AI and other emerging technologies in the workplace. 
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of the collective bargaining landscape around AI and technology issues across a variety of sectors and industries.
• Develop educational resources and training materials to translate complex technology issues into actionable guidance.
• Build and maintain a resource library of bargaining principles, best practices, and model contract language. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with researchers, academic and policy institutions, AFL-CIO affiliates, state and local labor federations, and external partners.

Policy & Advocacy

• Develop and advance policy positions on specific issues related to artificial intelligence and automation, labor law and policy, and other related topics as assigned.
• Independently produce high-quality analysis, testimony, regulatory comments, legislative documents, reports, memos and policy papers for both internal and external audiences.
• Educate and advise union leaders, advocacy organizations, philanthropic partners, and federal and state policymakers as part of a coordinated team.

Additional duties

• Advise regarding legal issues and assist management as required.
• Serve as TI’s internal management representative in bargaining and contract administration related to technology use in the workplace, assisting management with the resolution of grievances related to technology. 
• Participate in developing and formulating contract language with TI’s staff union.
• Prepare reports for appropriate persons and entities as directed by the Executive Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent experience in a related field
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in labor law or labor policy.  
• Demonstrated experience in or adjacent to the labor movement
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft policy documents, testimony, and regulatory comments independently
• Experience managing complex internal and external organizational relationships 
• Proven execution of multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while producing high-quality deliverables
• Commitment to the principles of the labor movement, social and economic justice, and racial equity

Preferred

• Familiarity with AI, automation, and emerging technology policy
• Experience with collective bargaining or labor contract negotiations strongly preferred

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $135,000 - $165,000, and any offer will be determined based on a candidate’s skills and relevant work experience. This position will serve as a confidential employee for the organization.

The Technology Institute offers employee benefits, including:

• Excellent employer-paid comprehensive health care, medical, and vision benefits 
• Generous leave, including annual vacation and sick leave 
• Employer Paid Retirement/Pension Plan and 401(k) Savings Plan Match 
• A hybrid work culture with the option to work from home up to two times per week 

The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome a diverse pool of applications, believe it is critical that our staff reflect the larger labor movement, and are committed to building a culture and community that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To apply, please submit the following items through our online portal at https://aflciotechinstitute.bamboohr.com/careers/41. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be reviewed.   

• A cover letter explaining your interest in this role and why you would be a good fit for this position is required.
• Your resume/CV is required.
• Your salary requirement, given the range listed above, is required.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please feel free to contact us at cengel@aflciotechinstitute.org should you have any questions about the role. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.