The Labor Education Service (LES) is seeking a full-time labor educator to join our teaching staff.
LES is a program of the University of Minnesota, located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, communities known for their affordable cost of living, high quality of life and diverse neighborhoods and cultural opportunities. LES is the only educational program in the state specifically focused on the needs of Minnesota workers and their organizations. Our mission is to equip workers, union officials and labor organizations with the knowledge-based tools to protect and advance their rights and responsibilities in a changing global socio-economic environment. An integral component of this mission is the use of media such as video production and web initiatives like WorkdayMinnesota.org. Through these efforts, we foster economic vitality, ethical relations and social justice in the workplace, at home and in the community.
Job responsibilities include leading labor education courses for working adults, designing customized curriculum, and coordinating and implementing educational programs, often in collaboration with other staff. The position requires teaching expertise using diverse methodologies and effectiveness in relating to a wide variety of worker organizations.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Instruction in labor education – 45%
- Identify training needs of diverse groups of workers and unions
- Collaborate with labor organizations to develop and implement courses, workshops, and otherprograms
- Collaborate with other staff on a regular basis to plan educational programming, team-teach as needed and evaluate effectiveness of teaching and programs.
- Deliver customized educational programs in a variety of settings with union leaders, members, and the public
- Provide instruction in current LES programs such as Minnesota Union Leadership Program and Labor Studies Skills Courses
- Evaluate program effectiveness and utilize results to strengthen outcomes of ongoing programs
Curriculum development – 25%
- Design customized teaching materials for specific sectors, unions, and training sessions, individually or in collaboration with LES colleagues and people in other groups.
- Incorporate popular education methodology and adult teaching and learning best practices
- Serve as a strategic resource to labor leaders and other labor educators by providing current teaching resources, curriculum and leadership development opportunities
- Create teaching materials reflective of the changing needs and growing diversity of the labor movement
Labor Education Service Program coordination – 20%
- Plan and coordinate implementation of one or more ongoing LES programs and occasional conferences and special events
- Perform part of the administrative functions related to classes and events, which may include location scouting, recruiting participants and promotion
- Be an active citizen within the collaborative culture of LES, including serving on LES committees and participating in regular staff planning and feedback meetings
- Contribute to strategic planning to help LES fulfill its mission
Community Engagement – 10%
- Foster and maintain productive relationships with labor organizations and other community groups committed to economic and social justice
- Support the development and effectiveness of labor organizations by providing educational resources on current issues facing the labor movement
- Write original editorial articles for public outreach through LES media services such as Workday Minnesota
** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position **
*MINIMUM / ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree (Master’s, J.D. or Ph.D.) in labor studies, social sciences, education, or other relevant field., In exceptional circumstances, a Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience is also appropriate
- Experience with labor unions, worker centers or community organizations
- Relevant teaching experience (e.g., labor education, adult education, classroom teaching, training, workshop facilitation)
- Knowledge and effective practice of adult teaching and learning techniques
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills
- Capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues
- Familiarity with current issues and debates shaping the labor movement
- Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends
*PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Two or more years of experience as a labor educator in a university, union or community setting
- Familiarity with popular education teaching methods and its application in union settings
- Knowledge of organizational development, particularly in a union context
- Familiarity with online teaching
- Experience with union leadership development programs
- Experience in working with racially and ethnically diverse communities
- Ability to speak another language besides English
Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation
This is a non-tenured, academic professional staff position. Pay is commensurate with experience, with the salary range starting at $65,000. Benefits include participation in the University of Minnesota Faculty Retirement Plan with an employer match of 10 percent, choice of medical plans and four weeks of vacation.
Application Deadline
June 3, 2015
How to apply
All applicants must apply online through the University of Minnesota website. For a link to the HR site see http://carlsonschool.umn.edu/faculty-research/labor-education-service
Questions? Email LES@umn.edu or phone the LES office, 612-624-5020.
The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
