Warehouse Workers for Justice
 

Lead Organizer

Based in Joliet and Chicago, IL

 

Warehouse Workers for Justice (WWJ) is a worker center fighting for good, living wage jobs across the logistics industry in northeast Illinois, home to one of the largest intermodal logistics hubs in the United States. The Lead Organizer is focused on supporting the Organizing Director to develop and execute organizing strategies and oversee staff organizers. The Lead Organizer will be responsible for a variety of aspects of organizing, will develop workplace organizing campaigns, recruit and sustain workplace organizing committees, lead research initiatives that support organizing efforts, and support community organizing campaigns, e.g. environmental justice and community safety.

The Lead Organizer will work closely with and under the direction of the Organizing Director and Programs Director for organizing and outreach efforts, respectively.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist Organizing Director in creation of weekly organizing schedules for field organizing team.
• Assist Organizing Director to develop and execute organizing team goals and field strategies.
• Lead one-on-one and group meetings with workers and internal teams when needed.
• Support organizing staff to develop workplace leaders that can further organize other workers.
• Assist Organizing Director to maintain accurate information on warehouse targets and campaigns.
• Understand what is necessary for enforcement of labor laws and how to file complaints with labor agencies.
• Support research initiatives on workplace campaigns or industry trends that support the ongoing organizing work.
• Support other organizing outside of the workplace like community safety from deportations and support the environmental justice organizer.
• Represent WWJ in various local, state, and national coalitions related to organizing work.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
At least 2-3 years of labor or union organizing experience is preferred. Other experience like community organizing, campaign or other advocacy experience will be considered. Spanish-language fluency or proficiency is strongly preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
• Strong leadership and organizational skills;
• Experience with supervision/ management preferred;
• Thoroughness and careful attention to detail;
• Ability to make and execute a work plan;
• Ability to write and follow a rap for worker/community outreach and 1:1s
• Ability to participate and lead in diverse coalition spaces, and help bring together voices with differing perspectives in service of a common goal or vision
• Ability to capture, analyze, and synthesize large amounts of information;  
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in fulfillment of casework responsibilities and outreach efforts;
• Experience in identifying and developing new leaders and activists;
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with labor unions;
• Ability to work independently;
• Exceptional people skills and patience;
• Responsive and positive team player who enjoys versatility and constant new challenges;
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and database management tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Accepts performance-based feedback and directions;
• Must be able to work in a moderately noisy and crowded work environment without an expectation of privacy;
• Traveling is required throughout Chicago, suburban Cook County, and Will County (with occasional travel further across Illinois and out-of-state as needed). Must be in possession of an insured vehicle and valid driver's license.
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours; Including nights and weekends, when needed.

Salary is $55,000 - $60,000 depending on experience. Benefits include 100% employer-paid  health and dental insurance plans as well as a car allowance and phone reimbursement.

People of color are urged to apply. Women are urged to apply.

This position is based in our Joliet and Chicago offices.

To Apply:
All interested applicants can send their résumés and cover letters to https://forms.gle/22E7JyGMtCeF7aXs9.