A conversation about workers, communities and social justice

New York Hotel Trades Council, AFL-CIO Seeks Organizers

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The New York Hotel Trades Council, AFL-CIO, is currently seeking to hire a number of energetic, intelligent and dedicated individuals for the position of Organizer (H.E.A.T. System Supervisor). We look to hire the best of the best and so are always accepting applications on a rolling basis for this position.

The New York City hotel industry has been experiencing a prolonged construction boom and it is vital to our members, and to those who work without the dignity of a union contract, that we maintain and improve union density in our industry. This year we plan to launch a new, long-term program to organize non-union hotels in the city on a large scale. Mobilizing our 32,000 members will be essential to winning this ambitious campaign.

We have built a rank-and-file leadership structure called the Hotel Employees Action Team (H.E.A.T.) System. The purpose of the H.E.A.T. System is to increase the participation of the membership in the union and to greatly enhance the union’s ability to mobilize our members for large-scale action, in order to organize non-union workers, to fight for higher wages and better benefits, and to increase the rights of hotel workers.

Areas of Responsibility

H.E.A.T. System Supervisors will supervise paid staff members as well as volunteers. They will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the operation of the H.E.A.T. System, including (but not limited to):

  • The recruitment, training, mobilization and supervision of rank and file leaders (HEAT Captains, and HEAT Network Leaders);
  • The coordination of political action efforts in assigned communities;
  • Attending and testifying at public meetings, including community board and city council meetings;
  • The support of research to define campaign targets, strategies and objectives;
  • The maintenance of the union’s databases of member and shop information and helping the union to use these resources to increase member participation in the above-mentioned activities;
  • The collection of information relating to employers in the hotel industry, and the implementation of pressure campaigns against employers;
  • The analysis of large amounts of data subpoenaed from employers such as payroll records, work schedules, time records, etc., to discover incidences of employer theft from employee wages, abuses of employee rights, and other contract violations;
  • The calculation of back-pay claims, and the preparation of exhibits to demonstrate complex or large-scale employer contract violations in arbitration proceedings;
  • The preparation of written communications to rank and file leaders and members, and the public;
  • Logistical support for a wide variety of union events and actions (including strikes and picket lines).
  • May also be assigned to work on internal and external organizing in Washington, DC.

Advancement

This position offers good prospects for advancement. Resourceful and committed staff members who become familiar with the union’s operations and distinguish themselves will have numerous opportunities for rewarding and interesting work.

Qualifications

Required

  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice;
  • Ability to motivate and inspire others;
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds;
  • Ability to multitask, work efficiently, and be well organized;
  • Willingness to work long hours, often on short (or immediate) notice;
  • Willingness to handle a wide range of constantly changing responsibilities;
  • Thorough attention to details;
  • Resourcefulness and talent for problem-solving;
  • Ability to learn quickly and grow into positions of greater responsibility;
  • Ability to handle physically and mentally demanding assignments;
  • Integrity;
  • Persistence and determination;
  • Loyalty to the organization;
  • Reliability;
  • Good judgment;
  • Cooperative attitude.
     
    Extra consideration will be given to candidates who possess any of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree;
  • Bilingual (in addition to English), especially in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Russian, Polish or Bengali;
  • Strong computer skills and the ability to quickly learn new computer programs;
  • Ability to write persuasively, clearly, and concisely;
  • Knowledge of FileMaker Pro;
  • Experience developing and maintaining databases;
  • Graphic art and design skills;
  • Web design and development experience;
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially Flash);
  • Talent for photography and/or videography;
  • Knowledge of Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects;
  • Experience working in the hotel, restaurant, hospitality, or other service industries.
     
    Salary and Benefits
  • Annual salary will start at $40,000
  • Excellent benefits and retirement package
     
    How to apply:

    In addition to a resume and references, applicants for this position should include a cover letter that explains clearly and concisely the reasons for their interest in the position at the New York Hotel Trades Council, and specifically address a number of the above-listed qualifications, both those they do and do not possess.

    Send resume, references, and cover letter to: careers@nyhtc.org

The New York Hotel Trades Council, AFL-CIO, is an equal opportunity employer. All persons regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation or sexual orientation are encouraged to apply. People of color and women are strongly urged to apply.