Senior Political Strategist Labor Elections

The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC) is seeking an experienced political professional to serve as Deputy Political Director. The ideal candidate for this position will have substantial experience in local political campaigns as well as a strong policy background. HTC is seeking to hire for this position immediately, and the candidate will be expected to quickly begin advancing the union’s goals for the 2026 elections, including helping to develop strategies for several key statewide campaigns.

This position will also involve substantial lobbying and policy work. The ideal candidate will be able to apply their strong research and analytical skills towards crafting and executing legislative strategies on both the city and state level.

Serve as a principal strategist for the union’s electoral efforts, beginning immediately on the 2026 elections.

Develop and maintain key relationships with other labor organizations, nonprofits, and others.

Directly lobby city and state government officials on the union’s priorities.

Craft legislative and policy solutions geared towards addressing the union’s challenges and associated goals.

Regularly conduct major and minor research projects aimed at determining the Union’s political and policy priorities.

Closely collaborate with union organizers on union membership engagement, especially related to efforts related to political education and activism.

Brief union leadership on a wide array of topics.

Seven or more years of political and/or policy experience (including political campaigns, government, policy advocacy, research, etc.).

An ability to learn quickly and to self-educate on a wide array of issues and topics.

Exceptional written and spoken communication skills.

A commitment to the labor movement and to advancing social justice.

An ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment, including flexibility on nights and weekends.

$80,000-$120,000 per year, depending on experience. Excellent benefits package.

This position is 100% in-person, based mainly at the union’s midtown office, but also includes field assignments and occasional travel.

HTC is the labor union for hotel and gaming workers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We represent 40,000 workers and take pride in negotiating great contracts that provide our members with not only excellent wages and benefits, but also real respect and dignity on the job. HTC’s members are militant, highly trained, and serve as the backbone to the union’s outsized political power.

The New York Hotel Trades Council, AFL-CIO, is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The Hotel Trades Council encourages all persons to apply. Employment decisions at the Hotel Trades Council are made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, veteran or disability status, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation or any other trait protected under either federal, state, or local law.