Labor and Community Job Opportunities, Opportunities

Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa Seeks Executive Director (Iowa City)

The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa is a dynamic, diverse workers’ center based in Iowa City, Iowa with a track record of winning groundbreaking campaigns for workers’ rights and civil rights. Our members are low-wage and immigrant workers, speaking nearly a dozen languages, who lead our organization with the support of a strong network of labor and faith allies. Since our founding in 2012 we have led a series of successful campaigns to recover unpaid wages, end several discriminatory school policies, pass the state’s first local minimum wage increase, and establish the first inclusive community ID program in the Midwest. And we’re poised to do so much more!

We are seeking a full-time Executive Director to oversee the overall operations of our organization. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to build our membership, strengthen alliances, plan issue-based campaigns, lead meetings and direct actions, supervise staff, and oversee administrative and fundraising functions. Candidates must have several years of paid experience as a lead organizer coordinating grassroots campaigns involving diverse communities of workers. They must also demonstrate written and verbal fluency in English and one of the languages of current immigrant leaders (e.g., Spanish, Arabic).

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, in consultation with the Board of Directors.
  • Build immigrant and low-wage worker membership and leadership.
  • Establish and maintain alliances with labor, faith, and community organizations and elected officials.
  • Meet with members to develop solutions to community concerns – evaluate which issues merit referral, limited services, or larger campaigns involving direct action, legal strategies, and/or policy initiatives.
  • Administer office and assist with grant reports and fundraising.
  • Supervise office manager, 1-2 organizers, and interns.
  • Coordinate communication with members, allies, and media.

Required Qualifications:

  • At least 3-5 years of paid experience as a lead organizer, coordinating grassroots campaigns involving immigrant and/or low-wage workers
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and one of the languages of current immigrant leaders (e.g., Spanish, Arabic).
  • Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s License, vehicle in working order, auto insurance.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience with computer programs related to office and organizational development (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, membership databases).
  • Experience working with labor, faith, or other grassroots community organizing projects.
  • Experience with grant reports and organizational budgeting.
  • Experience supervising volunteers and/or employees
  • Familiarity with workers’ rights under labor and employment law.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary of $40,000/year, negotiable based on experience
  • Employer contribution toward medical insurance coverage, generous paid time off policies

Application Information:

  • Please send a cover letter and resume to Mazahir Salih, CWJ President, atinfo@cwjiowa.org with subject line “Executive Director Application”. We will consider applications sent by April 15, or until the position is filled.

The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, immigrants, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.