The U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives is the national grassroots membership organization for worker cooperatives and other democratic workplaces. Our mission is to build a thriving cooperative movement of stable, empowering jobs through worker-ownership. Representing more than 350 member workplaces and 10,000 workers across the country, we advance worker-owned, -managed, and -governed workplaces through cooperative education, advocacy and development.

USFWC is seeking a Communications Director to oversee communications and brand strategy, including design, social media, storytelling, and engagement with members, donors, and other stakeholders. This is a salaried staff position starting at 32 hours/week. 

Position Duties

Strategy & Design (60%)

• Work with the USFWC’s Directors and Staff to create a strategic communications plan and infrastructure for advancing worker ownership and the values of the USFWC. The Communications Director will oversee the communications department and ensure effective messaging and amplification of USFWC programs.
• Strategy:
  • Develop plans, strategies, and timelines for implementation of communications programs and campaigns.
  • Design and Develop effective media outreach strategies.
  • Work with each department to develop and coordinate messaging and materials.
  • Coordinate with the Communications Department of the Democracy at Work Institute to ensure cohesive and integrated messaging.
  • Draft annual goals and workplan for the Communications Department, including work in partnership with our partner nonprofit the Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) and communications consultation with Guilded – the freelancer’s co-op.
• Messaging:
  • Convey a compelling narrative of worker ownership and the cooperative community, the value of the USFWC and its membership. Amplify stories about USFWC members and workplace democracy to new audiences and policy makers.
  • Research and develop compelling messaging frames for programming and outreach, as well as shared with our partners.
  • Equip staff, board, members, and partners with tools to effectively represent the USFWC and the worker co-op movement.
  • Collaborate with the USFWC Fundraising teams to develop and implement communications plans for grant applications, funder outreach and  fundraising campaigns, including  sustainer and end–of–year individual donor campaigns.
• Branding and design
  • Lead the Communications team to design and maintain the look and feel of the USFWC brand, including work in conjunction with DAWI.
  • Consult on the brand of Guilded, the Freelancer’s Co-op, project of the USFWC.
• Engagement
  • Ensure a strong infrastructure to execute communications and marketing of USFWC programs to our audiences, including members, potential members, partners, and the general public.
  • Implement an outreach plan to connect current and potential members to the core value proposition of the USFWC.
  • Oversee online and in-person event communications and marketing, ensuring best practices and processes for engagement. This includes USFWC webinars, members spaces, conferences, and events.
  • Oversee USFWC engagement platforms and strategies, including but not limited to Slack, social media, virtual member spaces.
• Steward the creation, publication, distribution, and maintenance of:
  • General outreach materials
  • USFWC Annual Report
  • Email communications
  • the USFWC’s website, including stories, resources, and updates.
  • press kit and FAQ for media inquiries.
  • official USFWC communications and publications.
  • regular mailings to new and existing members
• Consultation on the Guilded Freelancer’s Co-op Communications Strategy:
  • Work with the General Manager and staff of Guilded, a freelancer cooperative currently being incubated by USFWC, to inform a compelling brand, messaging, and communications strategy, ensuring that the Guilded brand complements the work of the USFWC and reflects the values of the worker co-op movement.
  • Work with the Guilded team to inform development of Guilded’s online platform for freelancer services.

Ecosystem Engagement & Analysis (25%)

• Research and promote resources and news relevant to worker coops within the Ecosystem (working in partnership with USFWC’s sister organizations; the 501(c)3, the Democracy at Work Institute, the 501(c)4 Policy Advocates for Sustainable Economies, and the incubated freelance cooperative Guilded
• Support member survey collection, including annual economic data survey and member profiles
• Engage with and explore relationships with current and potential USFWC partners in service of expanding the worker co-op movement.

Admin, Management & Support (15%)

• Supervise staff,  interns, and/or fellows in the Communications team to execute Communications plans
• Develop and implement budgets and staffing plans for the Communications team
• Participate in hiring new team members as necessary
• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and annual retreats as appropriate
• Collaborate with the staff team at the Democracy At Work Institute on relevant programs
• Coordinate sponsorship outreach for newsletter, bi-annual co-op directory and national conference
• Oversee the design, design, procurement, marketing and, and coordinate sales of USFWC merchandise
• Provide quarterly communications reports for USFWC board

Required Qualifications:

• Candidate must be bilingual in English and Spanish
• Member Services, Customer Support, or Community Relations Experience: At least two years of experience providing support services to organizational members, a targeted community or audience.. Highly effective at engaging diverse stakeholders, listening to many perspectives and able to provide necessary leadership.
• Program Management: Proven experience leading successful program work. Able to do research and development, implement a program, manage a program budget, conduct evaluation, and ensure ongoing program improvement. Demonstrated ability to foresee obstacles, generate and implement solutions, and manage long-term changes as needed.
• Team Management: Proven experience  managing or supporting a dynamic, collaborative team to produce high quality work on a deadline  a timely manner
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: Capable of communicating effectively with a wide range of people and through many communication channels (small group, public speaking, mass emails, facilitating conference calls, print, etc.)
• Communications Strategy: Proven success developing  effective strategies for messaging and storytelling.
• Design Skills: At least 3 years experience with graphic and digital design.
• Proficiency with various tech platforms: The USFWC currently uses Microsoft or Open Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Google apps, social media apps (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), mass mail programs, relational databases (we use CiviCRM), basic website editing (WordPress), Slack, Asana, and Zoom
• Comfortable working in a remote environment:  At present, the USFWC staff works remotely. Must be able to self-manage and work effectively across remote platforms.
• Movement Orientation: Commitment to building a principled cooperative movements for racial justice, workplace democracy, and a solidarity economy
• Diplomacy and Networking: Ability to build strong relationships with movement partners.
• Travel Capacity: Willingness and ability to attend occasional out-of-town meetings, retreats, and convenings.

Additional Qualifications (preferred but not required)

• Cooperative Business or Association Experience: Knowledge of or experience with cooperative organizations and/or boards. and messaging cooperative business needs & community values.
• Some experience on facilitation or with popular education is desirable.
• Reports to the USFWC Executive Director.

Location

Our workplace is remote, with most staff residing in Philadelphia, PA. Other staff are currently based in NY, MD, CA, TN, and the District of Columbia. We maintain a flexible work environment, with occasional out of town travel for work as health guidelines allow. At this time, we are only accepting applications from New York, California, Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

About Being on Staff

U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives is a growing organization, currently consisting of 16 staff along with leadership from our nine-member Board of Directors. The USFWC has expanded both its programs and its staff significantly over the last four years. We are dedicated to serving our members and focusing on growing our impact, our value, and our member benefits. Member engagement is a key area of our focus, and also involves strengthening relationships with local and regional networks and exploring new state-level chapters.

Compensation & Benefits

This is 80% of full time, salaried 32 hr/ week position with a starting FTE base salary of $55,000, pro-rated to $44,000 at 0.8 FTE.. Staff receive annual raises, and we offer a modest increase on top of base pay for staff with dependents (including parents and employees caring for an elderly family member). Base salaries are increased slightly for employees residing in particularly costly cities. The USFWC provides healthcare, vision and dental coverage for full time equivalent employees. Among our generous fringe benefits, we offer flexible holiday pay, 3-5 weeks of annual vacation, and stipends for professional development and tech equipment.

Applying

To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references from current or former workplaces (or significant organizing initiatives) to savanna@usworker.coop. Kindly also include a writing sample in your application. Make the subject line of your email “Your Name, Communications Director Application”. The position will be open until filled, but applications submitted by May 1 will receive priority.

The USFWC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We highly encourage applicants of color, applicants who grew up poor or working class, LGBTQIA applicants, and applicants from other historically marginalized communities to apply.

To apply for this job email your details to savanna@usworker.coop

Business Representative (Field Services) – New York
Location US-NY-New York
Job ID 2022-1720

Overview
Who We Are
SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. SAG-AFTRA employees support our members and thrive on securing the strongest protections by negotiating the best wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits. We preserve and expand members’ work opportunities, vigorously enforce our contracts and protect our members against unauthorized use of their work.

Responsibilities
What You’ll Do

Monitor and enforce all SAG-AFTRA agreements on sets covering primarily the five (5) boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey.

(This section provides a general summary of the most significant job duties performed. It does not explain in detail every single duty performed.)

• Monitor and enforce contract terms and working conditions on set for the SAG-AFTRA Theatrical, Television, New Media, and Commercials Agreements.
• Initiate and resolve claims on behalf of performers on set (for example: upgrades and hazard adjustments).
• Monitor contractual safety requirements in performance of stunts and ensure potentially hazardous work adheres to necessary guidelines.
• Monitor work rules for minors, including work hours and tutoring.
• Coordinate open calls for extra performers.
• Communicate with Business Representatives and Claims Managers regarding on-set problems and conditions.
• Maintain and file written daily reports for each set covered.
• Attend weekly department staff meetings.
• Promote SAG-AFTRA and its members in all communications with the industry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
What You’ll Need

We want to make sure you’re successful. To be considered, you must have:
(The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.)

• Experience with administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Must be able to handle confrontational, volatile and stressful situations in a calm manner with patience and diplomacy (combined with an intrepid, tenacious approach to the work).
• Maintain good working relations with production counterparts.
• Ability to communicate persuasively and effectively with performers and production personnel.
• Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of tact. Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds both internally and externally.
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours per day or per week (and/or overtime for applicable non- exempt positions), including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs.
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.
• Must have high level of initiative to handle work which is largely unsupervised.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a very high paced environment.
• Able to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines, and expedite heavy workload efficiently.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated interpretative and analytic ability.
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members
• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity.
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged.
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA’s sole discretion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience:

• Undergraduate degree or a combination of 5 years of education and experience in a labor relations or entertainment environment preferred.
• Juris Doctor degree a plus, but not required.
• Certificates, licenses, and/or registrations:
• Must have a current driver license, automobile (in reliable working condition), and current automobile insurance that meets the state minimum requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• SAG-AFTRA Writing Sample

What You’ll Get

• We are a great place to work because we offer:
• Colleagues that are passionate about what we do and how they contribute to our mission
• Balance between work and home life responsibilities
• Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Generous pension plan
• Employee discounts and perks

To Apply
Interested candidates must apply HERE.

Business Representative (Field Services) – New York
Location US-NY-New York
Job ID 2022-1720

Overview
Who We Are
SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. SAG-AFTRA employees support our members and thrive on securing the strongest protections by negotiating the best wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits. We preserve and expand members’ work opportunities, vigorously enforce our contracts and protect our members against unauthorized use of their work.

Responsibilities
What You’ll Do

Monitor and enforce all SAG-AFTRA agreements on sets covering primarily the five (5) boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey.

(This section provides a general summary of the most significant job duties performed. It does not explain in detail every single duty performed.)

• Monitor and enforce contract terms and working conditions on set for the SAG-AFTRA Theatrical, Television, New Media, and Commercials Agreements.
• Initiate and resolve claims on behalf of performers on set (for example: upgrades and hazard adjustments).
• Monitor contractual safety requirements in performance of stunts and ensure potentially hazardous work adheres to necessary guidelines.
• Monitor work rules for minors, including work hours and tutoring.
• Coordinate open calls for extra performers.
• Communicate with Business Representatives and Claims Managers regarding on-set problems and conditions.
• Maintain and file written daily reports for each set covered.
• Attend weekly department staff meetings.
• Promote SAG-AFTRA and its members in all communications with the industry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
What You’ll Need

We want to make sure you’re successful. To be considered, you must have:
(The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.)

• Experience with administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Must be able to handle confrontational, volatile and stressful situations in a calm manner with patience and diplomacy (combined with an intrepid, tenacious approach to the work).
• Maintain good working relations with production counterparts.
• Ability to communicate persuasively and effectively with performers and production personnel.
• Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of tact. Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds both internally and externally.
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours per day or per week (and/or overtime for applicable non- exempt positions), including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs.
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.
• Must have high level of initiative to handle work which is largely unsupervised.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a very high paced environment.
• Able to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines, and expedite heavy workload efficiently.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated interpretative and analytic ability.
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members
• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity.
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged.
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA’s sole discretion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience:

• Undergraduate degree or a combination of 5 years of education and experience in a labor relations or entertainment environment preferred.
• Juris Doctor degree a plus, but not required.
• Certificates, licenses, and/or registrations:
• Must have a current driver license, automobile (in reliable working condition), and current automobile insurance that meets the state minimum requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• SAG-AFTRA Writing Sample

What You’ll Get

• We are a great place to work because we offer:
• Colleagues that are passionate about what we do and how they contribute to our mission
• Balance between work and home life responsibilities
• Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Generous pension plan
• Employee discounts and perks

To Apply
Interested candidates must apply HERE.