Washington Public Employees Association
UFCW Local 365

Organizing Specialist
(6-9 Month Contract Position)

May work remotely

 

The Washington Public Employees Association is a public-sector labor union with approximately 5500 bargaining unit positions statewide. We represent classified employees in state government agencies, community colleges, and public library systems.

The Organizing Specialist carries out a variety of job functions such as organizing, legislative and political action, training of members, building worksite leaders, and other tasks as the need arises. Organizing Specialists are required to perform services in accordance with the needs of the WPEA and at such times and places as are necessary, based on membership needs. They must have dedication to improve the position of the members and represented employees of WPEA and strengthen the role of the union. Organizers must be educated in bargaining unit issues and possess the ability to lead and inspire the membership and shop stewards.

This will be a full-time contract position that is intended to be for 6-9 months. The right applicant may be able to work remotely, but will primarily be in the field at members’ work locations. Frequent travel is required, as well as long and irregular hours. Applicants should have experience in organizing for a labor organization, preferably in the public sector. Applicants should possess strong computer skills and be comfortable using the Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook.

Typical activities include:
Member Recruitment:

• Conducts Union Orientation Meetings at employer New Employee Orientations, at the home worksite of the employee, or outside of work hours to recruit new members at the point of hire.
• Conducts Union Orientation Meetings with represented employees who have not joined the union with the goal of converting them to Member status.
• Plans outreach campaigns and recruitment plans in conjunction with shop stewards and other WPEA staff.
• Maps and helps to maintain information on member worksites, new hires contacts, and conversion activities.
• Provides assistance, training, and support for shop stewards to convert new hires to members.

Member Education and Outreach:

• Host Union 101 meetings for union members and represented employees to create an understanding of what unions do for workers.
• Assist members with creating, recruiting, and maintaining workgroups designed for members to come together as an agency/college-specific group to research issues and find solutions.

Communication:

• Communicates to and with bargaining unit employees and shop stewards in a number of venues such as video conferencing, live meetings, and teleconferencing.

Administrative:

• Maintains accurate, current records of assigned activities within WPEA’s records system.
• Reports activities, outcomes, member information and member concerns to WPEA Leadership, designated administrative staff, and the President.

To Apply:
Please include a cover letter, résumé and references when applying for this position. Your cover letter should include a brief explanation of how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for the position. The salary range is $58,971 - $85,408 and placement depends on experience. Excellent benefits include health insurance, retirement account, and paid time off (holidays, exchange/flex time, vacation and sick leave). This position will remain open until it is filled.

Please email application materials to:

Julia Thurman-Lascurain
Membership Education and Mobilization Director
Julia@wpea.org