The New York New Jersey Regional Joint Board, Workers United a/w SEIU is a strong, progressive Union. We are dedicated to organizing in order to fight and change an unjust economic system. Our union is the home of the Starbucks Workers United campaign and the NY Nail Salon Workers Association. We are currently seeking to fill the position of Organizing Director (OD).

The OD will be responsible for expanding and directing the Joint Board’s external organizing program and building power through the development of worker leadership and staff leadership. The OD will be a key member of the Joint Board’s Senior Leadership Team. As such, the OD will lead the Organizing Department and work with Union Representatives, Organizers, and workers to create and implement a long-term strategic growth plan that will increase the Union’s organizing and its membership size. The OD will oversee an approach which includes building a volunteer member organizer program, and staff development that will have a common thread of critical thinking, participation, and respect, with measurable results.

Duties and Responsibilities

 External Organizing

• Design and manage organizing campaigns, including comprehensive campaigns, strikes, and political action as approved by the General Manager.
• Work with organizing members, to support their leadership of campaigns.
• Supervise our organizing team, which includes the management of work plans and goal driven timelines as it relates to campaigns and the union-wide organizing program.
• Work with field, industry, and local staff to coordinate all aspects of the campaign including vision, strategy, timeline, budget, communication, community outreach, and politics.
• Lead planning, strategy, and implementation of all organizing drives with a goal of increasing the union’s membership by an agreed upon goal within a two-year timeline.
• Prepare strategic planning reports and budgets.
• Work to identify and analyze potential organizing targets that move us towards our Joint Board’s vision and optimize our established opportunities and power.
• Spearhead relationship building and cultivate meaningful collaborations with community leaders, student organizations, local politicians, and community-based organizations in the support of our campaigns.
• Coordinate with allies with similar goals to maximize resources and efficiency and opportunities for success.
• Recruit, interview and recommend hiring staff.
• Represent the NY NJ RJB at local events, community gatherings and workshops and to community leaders, local politicians, community-based organizations and the press.

Staff Development

• Assist in the coordination of staff development and implementation of the Union’s vision, programs, and campaigns.
• Work in partnership with Union Representatives to develop member leadership through committees, support turnout, issue development, visibility and power.
• Guide integration of politics, community relationships and organizing support into the daily work of staff.
• Hold team accountable to goals and outcomes.

Qualifications and Qualities 

• Believe that the Labor Movement and organizing workers into Unions is critical to fundamentally changing the economy and supporting workers’ efforts to take power.
• A high level of judgment, the ability to take initiative and work independently; must be able to work with elected officials, worker leaders, and staff in complex and sometimes political situations. A fundamental commitment to be a leader in the Joint Board.
• Is goal oriented with an ability to identify priorities and resources and ensure accountability and timeliness.
• Is able to adjust and be able to handle multiple “priority” projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• Has a minimum of five years of Union Organizing experience, with at least two years successfully leading an organizing team.
• Comfortable using and explaining the use of databases, including excel and salesforce and a willingness to learn AirTable.
• Is Bilingual English/Spanish

Location: This work is currently hybrid – some in-person as necessary for the campaign, and some remote but all staff must be available to attend certain meetings and events in the office. In addition, it is a requirement to meet with workers face-to-face. This work will be conducted in the Greater New York metropolitan area.

Compensation & Benefits

• The Union offers a comprehensive benefits package, with fully paid health insurance, a pension, and an optional employee paid 401k.
• The Union follows careful Covid procedures and requires that all staff have a record of their vaccines on file with the Union.
• Compensation is $105,000 to $115,000 based on experience.

The New York New Jersey Regional Joint Board, Worker’s United is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender fluidity, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected category recognized by state, federal or local laws. The Joint Board encourages women, people of color, trans and gender nonconforming people, and LGBTQ+ people to apply. Bilingual English-Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to Jobs@workersunitednynj.org . No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.