Lead Organizer

American Association of University Professors

Department of Organizing and Services

Lead Organizer – Remote

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is pleased to announce a Lead Organizer position to be filled as soon as possible. The new leadership of the AAUP is looking for an individual who will help transform the Association into an organized, fighting union. Our goal is to defend the higher ed sector against increasing attacks while leading a fight for fair wages, job security, academic freedom, an end to student debt, and expanded access to postsecondary education. The ideal candidate will be committed to shaping and implementing the association’s organizing objectives to transform the AAUP into the fastest-growing union in higher education.

The Lead Organizer will play a vital role in identifying and implementing new collective bargaining campaigns as well as internal organizing campaigns with existing units; defining key issues; increasing the diversity of our membership; creating and sustaining coalitions; mobilizing members; and winning increased rights and protections for faculty, academic professionals, and graduate student employees. The lead organizer will travel widely across the United States, working under the direction of AAUP’s Director of Organizing & Services. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and implementing the association’s organizing objectives in collaboration with our organizing partners at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and will work interdepartmentally to achieve the association's strategic objectives. This position requires a commitment to racial equity and involves working with diverse individuals both inside and outside of the AAUP office.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Lead Organizer will play a key role in developing and executing organizing plans for chapters they are assigned to, with a focus on assisting our existing collective bargaining chapters with internal organizing campaigns and building advocacy membership in the region. The position will include the following responsibilities:

• Serving as the AAUP’s lead on assigned chapters by developing and implementing campus organizing plans in keeping with the goals and objectives identified in the AAUP’s national plans.
• Developing and implementing contract and other issues campaigns at our collective bargaining chapters/local unions. This may include on-the-ground work to recruit and train contract action teams.
• Developing and implementing internal organizing campaigns.
• Developing and implementing advocacy organizing campaigns at non-collective bargaining campuses.
• Working collaboratively with AAUP’s organizing partner AFT.
• Supporting AAUP chapters and state conferences in the region and helping develop and mentor diverse, talented grassroots leadership who can run effective issues-based campaigns, build membership, and increase the influence of our members on their campuses and in their states.
• Representing the Association before other faculty organizations, college and university bodies, and other unions and professional associations.
• Coordinating with Association leaders and staff on specific projects and long-range planning, including responsibility for planning content for campus, regional, and national training events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience working for labor unions required. Experience with higher ed. unions preferred.
• Demonstrated ability with successfully developing and implementing comprehensive internal and/or external union organizing plans, including organizing timelines, benchmarks, and milestones.
• Demonstrated experience working with leaders and members from national, state-level, or local affiliates to build strong organizing structures.
• Demonstrated expertise in organizing databases.
• Experience successfully using digital tools to facilitate organizing work preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education preferred.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with professional groups and individuals.
• Commitment to racial equity required; demonstrated experience with racial equity or DEI initiatives preferred.
• Superior written and oral communication skills and computer proficiency skills—including working familiarity with MS Office suite.
• Ability to work independently within the context of a national strategic plan.
• Valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel nationally, and to accept lengthy field assignments and possible relocation. This is a national position and requires an ability to travel and work throughout the country.
• Associates degree or relevant experience required. Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree preferred.

Compensation

Salary range: $85,000 – 105,000. Generous benefits package, including health insurance and 401(K).

Position Classification

This position is designated as a probationary senior program officer in the Department of Organizing and is part of the staff union bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is remote.

To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Both the cover letter and resume are required. If you have previously applied for this position, please do not reapply as the search committee has your application. No phone calls or recruiters please. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act | Employee Polygraph Protection Act).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.