The AFL-CIO has retained Goodwin & Company to conduct the search for a new Director, Office of Investment.  The chief mission of the Office of Investment is to protect the interests of workers and their benefit funds in the capital markets and, as such, is a critical strategic program department of the AFL-CIO.

BACKGROUND

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the nation’s leading, voluntary federation of American unions who work collectively through the AFL-CIO on organizing new members, political action, legislation, building coalitions and other programs to achieve the Federation’s overall mission: to improve the lives of working families, to bring economic justice to the workplace, and social justice to our nation and the world.  The AFL-CIO represents nearly 10 million working and retired women and men nationwide.  While the Federation has its own initiatives and interests, it also supports allied organizations that work in a broad array of issues in this arena. 

THE OFFICE OF INVESTMENT

The AFL-CIO Office of Investment is the leading force in the United States promoting the interests of workers and beneficiaries in the capital markets, working specifically on initiatives that would protect workers’ and their benefit funds’ capital market assets, and also promote worker interests through union-friendly and responsible fund investment initiatives.

The Office of Investment works directly with union affiliates, allied organizations, and other AFL-CIO departments as well as pension and welfare benefit fund trustees and professional pension fund managers.  The office runs the AFL-CIO Capital Stewardship Program which develops shareholder initiatives, advocates for effective legislative and regulatory reform, and supports active ownership and corporate governance reform strategies for worker pension and benefit funds.  The office is also a resource that provides financial and capital markets expertise to affiliates’ organizing campaigns and collective bargaining activities.

Internally, the Office of Investment works with almost all departments, but works particularly closely with the Legal Department and the Communications Department.

The Director of the Office of Investment reports directly to the offices of the AFL-CIO President and Secretary-Treasurer.

The Director of the Office of Investment is a leadership position in the areas of corporate governance, defending workers’ pension plans, and promoting workers’ interests in the capital markets.  The Director is responsible for leading the work of the AFL-CIO, its affiliate unions, and union fund trustees in these areas. 

Specifically, the Director will:

·                    Manage a departmental staff of six research, organizing and support staff to produce corporate financial analysis, company-specific shareholder initiatives, regulatory proposals, and conduct campaigns based on that analysis.

·                    Manage the staff of the Office of Investment to produce such key products as: Key Votes – the tracking systems for critical shareholder votes, and Pay Watch – the leading voice for accountability in CEO pay. 

·                    Convene leaders from affiliate unions and the broader labor and governance community to discuss investment and corporate governance matters and strategies.

·                    Advocate for effective federal legislative and regulatory reform. 

·                    Represent the AFL-CIO before the media, at shareholder meetings, and conferences.

·                    Work with the Legal and Legislative Departments to represent the AFL-CIO on pension and capital markets issues in Congress and before regulatory agencies such as the Departments of Treasury and Labor, and the SEC. 

·                    Work with major fund managers, labor-friendly investment bankers, Wall Street exchanges, other investment professionals, and professional organizations such as the Council of Institutional Investors.

·                    Play a key public policy role in such national debates as social security and corporate governance reform, (e.g. Sarbanes/Oxley). 

The ideal candidate should possess most of these qualifications:

• Extensive experience working with pension funds, trustees, and/or service providers in a key strategic and/or program management capacity

• Extensive knowledge of the capital markets, investment management, and asset allocation requirements of pension and benefit funds. 

• Knowledge of the labor movement and experience working for or with unions.

• Demonstrated commitment to the values of organized labor.

• Understanding of legal, legislative and regulatory requirements governing corporate transactions, pension and benefit funds, and shareholder and debt holder rights

• Knowledge of corporate finance and governance, business strategies, and employee ownership rights. 

• Demonstrated leadership in economic organizing and investment initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to produce effective written communication, publish articles, and educational/advocacy materials.  Experience in dealing with the new media on capital strategies.

• Demonstrated political and organizational skills and coalition building skills; experience navigating the federal legislative and regulatory process.

• Demonstrated lead experience developing and implementing strategies to organize collective action.

• Demonstrated experience managing the development and implementation of large and small- scale research projects including both in-house and vendor contracts.

• Formal financial or legal training a plus but not required.

• Excellent presentation skills; ability to present convincing arguments to support Labor’s positions.

Compensation for the Director, Office of Investment includes salary comparable to similar positions in other not-for-profit organizations plus a generous package of benefits including fully paid health, dental, life and disability insurance; defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) plan. 

The AFL-CIO is an equal opportunity employer and applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Resumes should be sent to:

Mr. Tom Goodwin                                                       Tel.  202-785-9292

President                                                                      Fax. 202-785-9297

Goodwin & Company                                                  email: tom@goodwinco.com

1150 Connecticut Avenue N.W.

Suite 615

Washington , DC   20036