General Description
The California Teachers Association (CTA) is one of California’s largest and most dynamic labor unions. CTA’s Center for Organizing and Bargaining (C4OB) is a field-based department that provides organizing, bargaining, training, and strategic research support to CTA leaders, members, and union staff in PreK-14 and charter school settings. In-depth knowledge and extensive experience in union organizing and contract campaigns; an ability to inspire members, staff, and communities to support the Association’s goals; and a deep commitment to the labor movement and public education are paramount for this position.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as an internal staff leader and organizer for contract campaigns and other strategic organizing campaigns providing inspirational and effective leadership to evaluate and advance the Association’s objectives and goals in those areas.
- Proactively works with staff and member leaders to develop and implement effective high-participation campaigns, including but not limited to contract campaigns, worksite issue campaigns, membership recruitment drives, charter/privatization campaigns, new unit/unit modification organizing, and statewide campaigns.
- Utilizes and promotes a site-based organizing and high-participation campaign approach to building union power, including through collective bargaining, representation/contract enforcement, issue advocacy, and political action programs.
- Provides program resources, consultation, coordination, and training to primary contact staff and members, particularly related to organizing, mobilizing, and comprehensive campaigns.
- Develops and conducts, where appropriate, in consultation with primary contact staff and member leaders, strategic planning and training programs that are consistent with the needs of the chapters.
- Provides expertise and organizing support to member leadership and staff on matters relating to member recruitment, engagement, organizing, and campaigns.
- Creates and maintains systems and methods for tracking progress toward the Association’s strategic goals, particularly increasing membership numbers, site-based organizing, and chapter strength, as well as designing intervention plans in cases when goals are not sufficiently addressed.
- Promotes staff teaming and cross-departmental/cross-functional coordination.
- Assists Regional Management with priority organizing projects and campaigns.
- Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director or their designee.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or higher degree preferred.
- Experience in membership drives, union organizing, and planning/running campaigns, with relentless drive to proactively surpass campaign/program goals under pressure and with the tenacity to tackle challenges head-on in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
- Successful experience in intense, fast-paced campaign situations, including contract campaigns, political action campaigns, and strikes; strike staff leadership experience a plus.
- Adaptable and flexible. Able to adjust seamlessly and effectively to changing factors and conditions that impact CTA campaigns, projects, structures and other union programs.
- Comprehensive understanding of the critical issues facing unions, California public education, and its education profession, including issues related to racial and social disparities.
- Demonstrated support for racial, social, and economic justice; worker's rights; and a well-funded public education system.
- Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to analyze information, identify issues/problems, and develop strategies/solutions.
- Computer proficiency and the ability to learn and use the Association's software programs necessary to support chapter bargaining, organizing, communications, and training programs.
- Ability to work and travel regularly, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
- This position is in a bargaining unit represented by CSO. Salaries are established by a collective bargaining agreement. Step placement is also determined by the CTA/CSO Agreement.
CTA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. CTA is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical or mental disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.