New England Joint Board UNITE HERE

Chief of Staff

Based in Massachusetts

 

The New England Joint Board, UNITE HERE, located at 33 Harrison Ave in Boston, is the affiliate of UNITE HERE in the six New England states and New York, representing workers in the manufacturing, distribution, laundry, hospitality, human services, textile, and garment industries. Included in our membership are workers from UNITE HERE predecessor unions ILGWU, ACTWU and UNITE as well as members originally organized under the UNITE HERE banner. We are a bold progressive union at the forefront of the movement for economic and social justice. Women and immigrants make up a majority of our membership. 

Overview
The Chief of Staff will assist the Manager in overseeing the union’s programs related to contract negotiations and campaigns, representational activities, leadership recruitment and development, mobilization, and internal governance. The Chief of Staff will serve on the leadership team of the Joint Board and work to oversee the implementation of the union’s vision and programs. The Chief of Staff will report to the Manager.

Responsibilities

• Work daily with the Manager and provide input in key decisions related to the operation of the union.
• Lead and manage high priority, union wide initiatives on behalf of the Manager, transferring directives to staff and ensuring timely execution and results.
• Translate strategic direction into concrete workplans for staff with clear goals, timelines, deliverables, and accountability.
• Track progress across programs, identify obstacles or risks, and surface recommendations to keep work moving.
• Support the Manager in developing agendas, materials, and follow up processes for staff meetings, leadership team meetings, and membership meetings.
• Track commitments and decisions made by leadership and monitor follow through.
• Represent the Manager in meetings, working groups, or project teams as appropriate.
• Support the Manager in managing workload, priorities, and information flow.
• Serve as the Chief Spokesperson during contract negotiations working through the proposal writing process through final ratification as assigned by the Manager.
• Conduct staff meetings, team meetings, and individual meetings with staff to review and plan their work in line with union’s mission and goals.
• Serve as a reliable point of contact for staff seeking clarity or support around union wide initiatives and priorities.
• Represent the union and its members in contract negotiations, arbitrations, grievances, and disciplinary meetings as needed.

Experience and Abilities

• Experience in union contract negotiations (preferably as chief spokesperson), grievance handling, arbitrations, and familiarity with NLRB policies and procedures 
• Experience supporting a high level or senior staff person
• Experience supervising, evaluating, and developing staff and holding them accountable to a workplan 
• Ability to work in high pressure environments
• Willingness to work sometimes long and irregular hours
• Ability to analyze complicated situations and quickly develop an action plan to achieve results
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and discern priorities in line with the union’s goals 
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse array of members, staff, and employers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work full time and in person. 
• Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé via e-mail to wpepi@unitehere.org

The New England Joint Board is an equal opportunity employer.