HOPE
Houston Organization of Public Employees
AFSCME Local 123

Lead Union Organizer

Based in Houston, TX

 

Step into a leadership role where you will direct our organizing team, create accountability and strategy, and expand HOPE’s presence and influence across City of Houston workplaces. 

The Houston Organization of Public Employees (AFSCME Local 123) is a dynamic, member-led union representing over 12,000 City of Houston municipal employees. We are dedicated to fighting for equal opportunity, economic justice, education, and liberty for all. 

We are seeking a Lead Union Organizer with strong labor union or grassroots organizing experience to lead, manage, and develop a team of organizers while building rank-and-file leadership across targeted workplaces. This role is responsible for driving organizing strategy, overseeing campaigns, and strengthening union density and member engagement throughout the City of Houston. 

Key Responsibilities 
Leadership & Team Management 

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Union Organizers. 
• Set organizing goals, benchmarks, and accountability systems. 
• Provide coaching on structured organizing conversations and campaign strategy.
• Lead weekly organizing meetings and ensure follow-through on action plans.
• Develop organizers’ leadership skills and professional growth. 

Organizing & Leadership Development 

• Identify, recruit, and develop rank-and-file leaders in targeted workplaces.
• Conduct effective worksite visits, house visits, phone banks, and new employee orientations. 
• Support member leaders in organizing new members and enforcing workplace rights.
• Strengthen workplace structure and build majority participation. 

Campaign Strategy & Execution 

• Design and implement strategic organizing plans and issue-based campaigns.
• Lead membership drives and contract enforcement initiatives. 
• Engage, motivate, and mobilize members to take collective action. 
• Oversee preparation of communication materials (flyers, petitions, bulletins, presentations). 

Membership Engagement & Public Action 

• Present union plans and opportunities at meetings and orientations.
• Lead HOPE-sponsored public actions and community events. 
• Participate in and help facilitate general membership meetings. 

Administrative & Accountability 

• Oversee tracking systems for organizing conversations and outcomes.
• Analyze data to measure campaign progress and adjust strategy. 
• Report regularly to the Executive Director on goals, outcomes, and team performance.
• Ensure familiarity with the Meet and Confer Agreement and relevant municipal policies. 

Qualifications 
Required: 

• Extensive experience as a Union Organizer/Representative with demonstrated leadership responsibilities. 
• Proven ability to manage and develop organizing staff. 
• Strong strategic thinking and campaign planning skills. 
• Experience building majority workplace structures and running member-driven campaigns. 
• Demonstrated commitment to labor, racial, and social justice. 
• Excellent communication skills (listening, written, and verbal). 
• Ability to coach others in structured organizing conversations with accuracy and consistency. 
• Strong time management and organizational skills. 
• Computer proficiency, including virtual meeting platforms and tracking systems.
• Willingness to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Willingness to work irregular hours (nights/weekends). 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance. 

Preferred:

• Bilingual (Spanish & English). 
• Experience with Labor Union organizing. 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Competitive salary (Example: $X–$X depending on experience). 
• Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Defined benefit pension plan. 
• Car and cell phone allowances.