University of Maryland Resident & Fellow Alliance, AFT Local 5161

Union Representative / Organizer

Based in Baltimore, MD

 

About the Union
The University of Maryland Resident & Fellow Alliance (UMRFA), AFT Local 5161, is a member-driven labor union representing resident and fellow physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. UMRFA is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT Maryland, and the AFL-CIO. Our mission is to build collective power among resident and fellow physicians to improve working conditions, protect workers’ rights, and strengthen patient care.

UMRFA is seeking an experienced and committed Union Representative/Organizer to support our members through contract enforcement, organizing, leadership development, and political action.

Position Overview
The Union Representative/Organizer is a key staff position responsible for advancing the goals and priorities of UMRFA through member-centered organizing and strong representation. This role ensures that the collective bargaining agreement is enforced in both letter and spirit, while helping build an engaged, informed, and mobilized membership.

Working under the general direction of the UMRFA President and Executive Board, the Union Representative/Organizer will exercise a high degree of independence and judgment in carrying out internal and external organizing campaigns, grievance handling, collective bargaining, and leadership development.

Core Responsibilities
Contract Enforcement & Representation

• Handle, under the close supervision of the President and Grievance Committee, all aspects of member representation, including grievances, arbitrations, and contract enforcement.
• Assist in preparing for and participating in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Advise members and union leaders on labor-management relations and workplace rights.
• Track grievances, deadlines, and compliance with labor agreements and applicable laws.

Organizing & Leadership Development

• Build strong relationships with resident and fellow members to identify issues of concern and organize collective action.
• Recruit, train, and support stewards and emerging leaders.
• Work with elected leadership to increase union density, participation, and leadership capacity.
• Plan and facilitate membership meetings, trainings, and issue-based campaigns.

Political & Community Engagement

• Mobilize members around legislative, political, and workplace campaigns.
• Support member engagement with elected officials and community allies.
• Represent UMRFA at labor, professional, and community events.

Administration & Communication

• Maintain accurate membership and organizing data using tracking systems and databases.
• Provide regular updates to union leadership on campaign progress, metrics, and key developments.
• Assist with the creation of organizing, educational, and advocacy materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission of UMRFA.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to the labor movement and union values.
• Minimum of two to three (2-3) years of experience in union organizing and/or staff representation.
• Strong knowledge of union organizing principles and working knowledge of state and federal labor laws.
• Experience with grievance handling, collective bargaining, and steward development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accountability.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and car insurance required.
• Demonstrated ability to meet organizing, membership engagement, and recruitment goals.

UMRFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
UMRFA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Job Category: Professional
Position Type: Full Time
Posted Date: April 2026 Position open until filled.
Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience
Benefits: Exceptional benefits package including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, etc.
 
Contact Information:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and (3) professional references to: info@umrfa.org.