Illinois Federation of Teachers
500 Oakmont Lane
Westmont, Illinois 60559

Full-Time Professional Staff – Field Service Director

Covering the Southern Region / Fairview Heights Office, IL

 

To Apply
Application is made by sending a letter and a current résumé to the attention of Barb Latta at the address shown above, or via e-mail at: blatta@ift-aft.org, in both cases no later than Friday, April 18, 2025.

Illinois Federation of Teachers is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

1. the IFT does not pay the cost of any expense incurred in the interview process, or any expense incurred in relocation when employment requires a change in residency;
2. interviewees will be selected from the application letters with current resumes received in the Westmont General Office;
3. in person interviews will be conducted in the Fairview Heights Office;
4. employment will begin as per a mutual agreement between the successful applicant and the IFT;
5. salary and benefits as per experience and the contract between the IFT and IOU/CNG

Job Qualifications

1. Applicant must have deep knowledge of and experience with the core activities of labor unions including but not limited to advocacy and representation, collective bargaining, organizing, and mobilizing.
2. Applicant should have experience in or deep knowledge of teaching or other school related personnel work at any level of the P-20 spectrum or other public/ government work.
3. Applicant must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to write technical documents with content accuracy and be able to speak and present to audiences large and small effectively and persuasively.
4. Applicant must have ability in the standard practices of research and resource development especially as related to divisions of government and the laws and policies that impact public sector unions.
5. Applicant must demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to racial and social justice and will advocate for these in the execution of the Main Functions.
6. Applicant must be able to show proficiency in all aspects of standard technology tools including office products (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet platforms, cloud-based computing sites and databases, and social media platforms and tools (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
7. Applicant must be comfortable and competent while working independently and collaborate generously within a team.
8. Applicant must expect and be willing to work long hours, evenings, and weekends and be prepared to drive long distances on a regular basis.
9. Applicant must be adaptable, flexible and comfortable within dynamic situations and settings.

Main Functions

ORGANIZE NEW IFT LOCALS

1. Seek out and identify new locals or potential bargaining units
2. Follow-up leads to new locals or units
3. Speak before groups interested in IFT information
4. Provide interested parties with IFT literature, brochures, etc.
5. Design and initiate specific programs to build support for starting an IFT local
6. Build and develop leadership teams of workers

BUILD MEMBERSHIP IN PRESENT IFT LOCALS

1. Assist in the development of local membership recruitment program
2. Assist locals with regular membership communications
3. Meet on a regular basis with local leaders to help plan activities
4. Train local leaders to be effective in carrying out the local program
5. Meet with groups to explain functions and programs of IFT and AFT

SERVICE LOCALS

1. Aid locals in drawing up and negotiating contracts
2. Aid locals in handling grievances and arbitration
3. Aid locals to know and to execute their rights and responsibilities under collective bargaining law
4. Encourage locals to get involved in AFT and IFT activities and programs
5. Advise and assist locals on defense cases and to follow IFT and AFT procedures
6. Advise and assist locals on legislative and political action programs with the IFT department of political activities
7. Train local leaders in essential leadership functions
8. Report on local activities to the IFT communications department

OTHER SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS

1. Work under the daily supervision and direction of the Directors of Field and Organizing
2. Attend IFT meetings and workshops
3. Assist in IFT convention programs
4. Assist in legislative activities
5. Make monthly reports on activities
6. Carry out assignments made by the executive board or Chief Operating Officer