City of Portland Professional Workers Union

Union Organizer
Part Time Contractor

Based in Portland, OR
(hybrid, mostly remote)

 

Request for Proposals: Union Organizer

Contract Duration: ASAP - September 2026 (Possibility of extension based on performance and funding)
Location: Portland, Oregon, hybrid, mostly remote but with in-person requirements for some workplace outreach, meetings, and activities (out-of-area travel costs are not included in this contract).
Compensation: Proposals should be for no more than $60,000 total.

About the Organization: 
CPPW is a newly formed labor union of 800 public sector workers at the City of Portland.

CPPW is led by the Executive Board, a volunteer committee of City of Portland employees elected by the membership to serve the union. Contractor will work closely with the Executive Board, member leaders on the Contract Action Team, and will report to the President.

CPPW Website and Instagram

Overview
City of Portland Professional Workers Union, CPPW, is seeking an experienced Union Organizing Contractor to strengthen our internal organizing infrastructure, build member leadership, and prepare the foundation for a powerful contract campaign in 2026.

The ideal candidate is deeply committed to labor justice, member-led organizing, and has experience building internal union structures that empower members and increase participation.

Scope of Work
The Union Organizing Contractor will work closely with union staff, members, and leaders to:

1. Build Internal Organizing Infrastructure
   • Develop and support a robust member-to-member communications network across all worksites.
   • Organize regular information dissemination through site-based communications structures.
   • Ensure two-way communication flows between leadership and rank-and-file members.
   • Maintain and manage records of organizing contacts and leader progress.
2. Lead and Manage Contract Action Team (CAT)
   • Build on the existing Contract Action Team of member leaders with new recruitment.
   • Develop structures, decision-making processes, and leadership development within CAT in preparation for the 2026 contract campaign.
   • Coordinate and support member leaders in conducting one-on-one outreach conversations.
   • Track CAT engagement and ensure accountability across worksites.
   • Support leaders in facilitating worksite meetings, outreach, and actions.
   • Coach CAT members and other union leaders to organize and execute workplace actions around pressing, agitational issues.
   • Help design and implement escalating actions to build momentum for campaigns.
   • Collaborate with other member-led teams within the union.
3. Leadership Identification and Development
   • Identify emerging leaders across the union, especially in under-organized areas.
   • Conduct regular organizing conversations and build relationships with potential leaders.
   • Provide coaching, mentorship, and plug-in opportunities to deepen their union involvement.

Deliverables

• Strategic organizing plan for before and during the 2026 contract campaign.
• A functioning, site-based Contract Action Team structure across the union.
• Monthly organizing plans and progress reports.
• Regular, structured one-on-one conversations and feedback loops.
• A growing and active base of trained member leaders.
• Increased member participation in actions and organizing meetings.
• Monthly worksite-based activities (lunch and learn, sticker day, CPPWednesday, etc), increasing in frequency during contract campaign.
• Internal communication structure active across all worksites.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in internal union organizing or comparable grassroots campaigns
• Strong understanding of member-led union structures and campaign development.
• Experience facilitating leadership development and one-on-one outreach.
• Proven ability to lead groups of volunteers.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Comfort working collaboratively with a diverse membership and leadership body.
• Commitment to labor, racial, and social justice values.

Proposal Requirements
Interested contractors should submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter detailing interest and qualifications
• Résumé
• Two professional references familiar with your organizing work
• Fee Proposal detailing your rates within the stated contract budget, including any minimum and maximum number of hours per month required or preferred by the Bidder for the position to be feasible and/or desirable.

Deadline to Apply:
Extended: Next review is Oct 17, 2025, then on rolling basis until filled

To Apply:
Submit Proposals to: Info@cppwunion.org.