Montgomery County Education Association

Coordinator, Member Organizing

Based in Rockville, MD

 

PROGRAM AREA: Field Operations
POSITION TITLE: Coordinator, Member Organizing
REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Field Operations
SALARY (as of 9/1/24): $148,006.60

The Montgomery County Education Association is seeking applicants for one of two Organizing Coordinator positions. The Organizing Coordinator will lead a team of UniServ Directors/Organizers as they organize and develop strong member leaders who advocate for themselves, their students, and public education. The Organizing Coordinator will be visible in worksites on a daily basis to support UniServ Directors as they cultivate and develop member leaders through worksite-level organizing campaigns. The Organizing Coordinator will ensure membership has relevant and pertinent information, and that staff are supporting member leaders to build power in their worksites and across the County.

MCEA represents 14,000+ professional educators in the Montgomery County Public Schools system in suburban Washington D.C. MCEA is one of the 15 largest local educator unions in the nation and is an affiliate of the National Education Association. We are committed to educational excellence and social justice and believe that the future well-being of our members depends on the success of our schools. For more information, go to www.mceanea.org.

Position Description
MCEA’s organizing staff is responsible for strengthening the structure of the union by identifying, recruiting, training, mentoring, and motivating building leaders. MCEA is focused on building power within the union through organizing plans that help members engage in collective action to improve worksite climate and the functioning of joint decision-making on teaching and learning issues, through school leadership teams.

Working under the direction of the Managing Director of Field Operations, the Organizing Coordinator is responsible for achieving the organization’s goals & program for members throughout Montgomery County. In this role, the Organizing Coordinator will direct a team of union staff as they support member worksite actions and engagement on larger social and political issues facing their communities and in enforcing the collective bargaining agreement at the worksite level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and supervise teams of staff to support members carrying out campaign plans.
• Write staff evaluations and implement support plans for performance improvement.
• Lead staff by example, set high standards of performance, and hold organizers accountable for results.
• Coach and mentor assigned staff, create opportunities for regular staff development through debrief, modeling, shadowing, etc..
• Hold 1:1s and team meetings to review staff priorities, strategic plans, provide support, and assess progress.
• Create and manage winning campaigns in coordination with the Managing Director and other appropriate departments and leaders as assigned.
• Develop campaign plans in coordination with assigned UD staff for multiple site-based campaigns.
• Work with the Managing Director and/or their designee and other departments as appropriate, develop campaign messages, and implement organizing plans that include engagement with parents and community members.
• Articulate a positive vision of the union and its work.
• Participate in development of the MCEA strategic plan.

Qualifications: At least five (5) years of related work experience that would provide for the following knowledge of, skills and abilities:

• At least 2 years of experience leading staff in worker organizing, member representation, and contract negotiations.
• Willingness to respect governance decisions and prioritize their strategic plan and other goals.
• Commitment to social and economic justice and improving the lives of working people.
• Ability to build a team and effectively manage & coordinate the work of other staff.
• Experience in planning and running comprehensive organizing campaigns.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a fast-paced and diverse team environment.
• Ability to drive work independently, manage assignments, stay organized, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to clearly convey information and ideas both verbally and in writing across audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and organizing databases (e.g. Unionware, VAN).

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of current education issues at the local, state and national levels.
• A strong commitment to organized labor and the role of educators in public schools.
• Familiarity with Bargaining for the Common Good and Just Schools movements.
• Use of social media as an organizing tool

Requirements

• Salaried position; requires nonstandard work hours and/or weekend and holiday work.
• Travel is required, primarily within Montgomery County.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, must have auto insurance that covers business driving, and must possess an automobile for business use.

COMPENSATION
MCEA offers a competitive salary. MCEA also provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, retirement savings plan, and long-term disability insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Work is performed in various settings – in schools, homes, school district offices, and other remote locations.
• This position requires frequent driving throughout the county to various locations.
• The person in this position must be able to occasionally remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time.
• The person in this position needs to regularly move about inside the office and other locations.
• The person in this position regularly operates a computer, cell phone, and office productivity machinery such as copy machines and computer printers.
• The person in this position frequently moves equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds for various meeting and event needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MCEA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, and two relevant writing samples to Lindsay Barrett, c/o Alicenne Passavanti at: apassavanti@mceanea.org Subject: MCEA Coordinator, Member Organizing