Boston Teachers Union

BTU Organizer

Based in Boston, MA

 

The Boston Teachers Union represents approximately 7,000+ teachers, paraprofessionals and substitutes in the Boston Public Schools, along with another 3,500 retired members. The BTU is seeking applicants for an Internal / External Organizer.

Title: BTU Organizer
Reports to: The BTU Director of Organizing
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Competitive Salary starting at commensurate with education and experience per collective bargaining agreement, starting from $77,000; plus benefits including health insurance, dental and eye-care, sick days, vacation days, car allowance.

Organizing Responsibilities:

• Assists Director of Organizing in developing and implementing organizing campaign plans, focusing on developing member, student, and parent activists
• Build relationships with members one on one to identify and develop member leaders
• Support Building Reps, Faculty Senate Chairs, and Contract Action Team (CAT) leaders with orientation trainings, materials and needs
• Maintain information management systems for members and building reps
• Support schools to build Faculty Senates and school-based action teams that move members to use collective action to solve school-based issues
• Recruit bargaining unit members to sign cards and join the union
• Develop and execute grassroots strategies and campaigns to broaden and activate membership base
• Develop community engagement plans that help advance a shared quality agenda for good schools with community partners
• Develop trainings to provide members and allies with the skills to organize their school communities
• Increase participation in BTU organizing committees and member events
• Plan and execute BTU fall conference, winter conference, Family 2 Family conference, New Educator Institute activities, organizing institute and other events throughout the year
• Other duties as assigned

Primary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:    

• Demonstrated skill as a community, labor and/or political organizer.
• Ability to assess and analyze complex political situations and respond appropriately.
• Experience in developing campaign plans to mobilize members or run issue campaigns
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to accept criticism and challenge from individuals and groups, both within and outside of the bargaining unit.
• Understanding of the principles of union organizing and coalition building.
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to make, follow, and work independently within the context of a work plan
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects
• Ability to assess and analyze complex political situations and respond appropriately

Qualifications:

• 2 – 5(+) years organizing experience
• Willingness to conduct house visits and worksite visits
• Willingness to work long hours, including nights and weekends
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle preferred
• Strong listening, research and communication skills
• Familiarity with digital media tools, Microsoft Word, Excel etc.
• Demonstrated skill as a community, labor or political organizer
• Experience in developing campaign plans to mobilize members or run issue campaigns
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills
• Understanding of the principles of union organizing and coalition building
• Experience in working with coalitions and the public education system
• Public school experience is a plus
• Proficiency in Spanish or other languages a plus

To Apply:
Submit cover letter and résumé to Will March at: wmarch@btu.org; position open until filled, applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP. A cover letter should include your responses to the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this job?
• Why do you think you're a strong candidate?
• What is something you're excited about doing as a BTU organizer?