Organizing & Research Specialist

Oregon AFL-CIO - Based in Portland, Oregon

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 300,000 working Oregonians and acts as a voice for the members of over 400 local unions as well as all workers. The team at the State Federation is a progressive, talented, and hard-working group of social justice advocates poised to continue the fight for a fair and more just economy.

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “YES!” then the Oregon AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are part of the largest federation of labor unions in the United States and the Oregon AFL-CIO team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the Oregon AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee - you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Works with leadership, Organizing and Strategic Campaigns Director, and other staff to develop, implement, and maintain:
  • An ongoing program to support affiliate organizing
  • A union organizing training program tailored to the needs of an individual union or a diverse group of union members and staff
  • A research program aimed at supporting affiliate union organizing, strategic growth opportunities, and bargaining campaigns
• Engages with affiliate staff to develop and support campaign goals, strategies, and tactics
• Coordinates with Oregon AFL-CIO and affiliate leadership and key staff to develop and maintain strong relationships and programmatic buy-in
• Develops and implements plans for a variety of Federation-wide organizing/research-oriented events; local, regional, and statewide economic analyses with an eye towards growth opportunities; and other organizational priorities
• Maintains and grows UnionizeOregon.com lead-generation website with direct worker follow-up, initial assessments, and connecting workers with affiliate union organizers
• Develops and conducts internal and external union organizing trainings as part of the Oregon AFL-CIO Organizing Institute, and other training programs in collaboration with other academic partners and allied organizations
• Builds effective coalitions with other unions and organizations to achieve programmatic goals
• Represents the Oregon AFL-CIO and broader labor movement with key allies and partners at various tables and in coalition spaces
• Works with Oregon AFL-CIO team and affiliates to accomplish organizational priorities beyond organizing and research program areas (including participating directly in political action, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, voter registration, etc. and supporting biennial Convention planning and program)
• Coordinates with other assigned staff members to support regional Central Labor Chapters with their work of building local worker power for regional labor movements
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Share vision of building a bigger, broader, bolder, and more inclusive labor movement
• Preference for a candidate with at least three years of demonstrated experience on comprehensive organizing campaigns and research experience in new organizing and/or contract bargaining campaigns
• Knowledgeable about historical, current, and evolving organizing and research strategies within the labor movement and progressive community aimed at growing worker power and improving the lives of working families
• A commitment to economic and social justice for all Oregon workers and their families, especially those in historically marginalized communities through empowering and uniting workers to create change in their workplaces and communities
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to distill complex information and draft well-written documents and presentations for a variety of audiences
• Ability and experience working independently on both short-term and long-term projects
• Demonstrated ability and experience working collaboratively in team settings, working well under pressure, and managing multiple priorities and projects effectively
• Experience working in a coordinating and/or convening role with multiple stakeholders in a new organizing, contract campaign, and/or training setting, including union staff, union members/unorganized workers, and community members
• Demonstrated project management skills and an ability to develop and conduct training in a union organizing, community-based organizational, or political context
• Ability to manage relationships in complex political and sensitive organizational situations
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships
• High level of individual motivation, time management, and organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills
• Possess a commitment to progressive social change and winning for workers
• While we strive to maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance, the position may sometimes require long and extended hours and some travel as needed.
• Proven experience in building relationships with labor leaders, community leaders, and worker advocacy stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive work environment and culture
• A valid drivers’ license and access to a reliable vehicle