Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO)
AFT Michigan Local 6244, AFL-CIO
 

UM Full-Time Campus Organizer

Based at the University of Michigan

 

The Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO), AFT Michigan Local 6244, AFL-CIO, the union representing non-tenure-track faculty at the University of Michigan (UM), is seeking to hire a Full-Time Organizer. This is an ongoing position. LEO represents 2000 non-tenure-track faculty on 3 campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint) and 200 librarians, archivists, and curators. We are a volunteer-run organization with a strong organizing ethos.

The Campus Organizer’s main purpose is to grow and strengthen the union. By following the lead of the members, the Organizer will recruit new members and develop current members to be more active in the union. The Organizer is also the public face of the union and may represent the union at community events or at meetings with management.

The Organizer reports to the Lead Organizer and to the committees they staff. On a daily basis, the Organizer will work independently and will need to solve problems creatively and cooperatively. The Organizer must be able to travel to all three campuses and traverse across each campus, and in addition to occasionally work weekends and evenings. This position will primarily work on the Ann Arbor campus. At least two days per week of in-person work is required; Organizers are expected to spend a minimum 50% of their time in the field.

The Organizer will be responsible for:

• Increasing the number of LEO members and increasing the involvement of current members.
• Organizing and engaging lecturers on campus and at their homes.
• Implementing organizing plans as decided by LEO leadership.
• Working with other campus stakeholders in coalitional efforts.
• Facilitating groups and supporting member-led committees.
• Motivating others to take action in their best interests.
• Reporting and tracking data in the union’s database and using spreadsheet software.
• Assisting members who are having problems with management.

Applicants must have a strong commitment to social justice and the labor movement. LEO prefers applicants with:

• An understanding of labor contracts.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Writing and social media skills.

LEO will accept applications until the position is filled; application review will begin June 23, 2025. The position starts early August. LEO staff are paid on a step scale and are represented by The Newspaper Guild of Detroit, CWA Local 34022. The annual minimum salary is $61,532. Applicants with union organizing experience will be hired at a higher rate depending on years of relevant experience. Generous healthcare, paid vacation, and other benefits are provided.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter detailing your ability to meet the responsibilities of this position, a résumé listing relevant work and volunteer experience, and a list of three work references to: office@leounion.org.

Please direct any questions to Cindee Giffen, LEO’s President, who will be chairing the search committee at: president@leounion.org.

LEO is an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to not only comply with Ann Arbor's Non-Discrimination Ordinance but to make LEO a welcoming and inclusive place for all. Applications are strongly encouraged from all people who are interested, including communities of color, women and other marginalized groups.