Arena Careers

Lead Organizer Job Description

This position is designed to increase Council 962 membership by organizing the unorganized and strengthening the engagement of our members. The incumbent is responsible for independently identifying organizing opportunities and creating organizing plans, as well as coordinating and conducting a wide array of organizing activities.

Primary Responsibilities

(Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in this classification.)

• Clearly communicate the value of union membership to members and potential members in one-on-one conversations and group settings.
• Ability to listen to and retain worker interests and challenges.
• Write campaign proposals and plans with goals and benchmarks.
• Develop broad, representative organizing committees of worker-leaders to build a strong local union.
• Utilize various databases and other media to build worker lists, assess interests of workers and map worksites.
• File election and card check petitions with the National Labor Relations Board and employers.
• Prepare and participate in pre-hearings and hearings related to inclusion or exclusion from a bargaining unit and unfair election practices.
• Conduct necessary research related to organizing targets to determine potential for successful organizing campaigns.
• Recruit, train, develop and mentor leaders and volunteer organizers.
• Assess the progress of organizing campaigns and recommend go/no-go decisions.
• Prepare leaflets, flyers, or other necessary types of communication.
• Inoculate workers against anti-union messaging.
• Informs Council 962 leadership of activities, developments and progress of assigned campaigns.
• Coordinate with other unions involved in coalitions when assigned.
• Assist with political campaigns and legislative activities as assigned.
• Assist Staff Representatives with internal organizing and training when assigned.
• May perform other duties as assigned to assist in the empowerment of our members.

Directions and Decisions Making

The incumbent will report to the Executive Director on a regular basis. Work is performed independently, yet in coordination with the Executive Director, their designee or other staff as appropriate.

Requirements(and physical demands as required by ADA)

• General knowledge of the role and duties of union officers and staff.
• Knowledge of union organizing practice and principles.
• Knowledge of federal and state labor laws, especially with respect to union organizing.
• Knowledge of anti-union employer tactics
• Ability to conduct research to evaluate organizing targets, develop organizing lists, and implement organizing strategies and formulate conclusions.
• Ability to lead, train and coordinate volunteer organizers and organizing committee members.
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, including “one-on-one” interpersonal communications
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, remaining on task and on time.
• Work is performed from Council 962 offices and at work sites.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive long distances safely in varied road conditions.
• Overnight stays occasionally required.
• Vision and hearing acuity is necessary for this position.
• Extended work hours and work week is anticipated, and may include evenings and weekends.
• Must pass criminal background screen.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma required. Post-secondary education is preferred.
• Three years of related experience in union, community or political organizing preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite is required and the ability to learn and use various database software is required for this position.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to Ron Richmond at rrichmond@afscme962 or sent via USPS to:

AFSCME Council 962

Attn: Ron Richmond

1424 N Pennsylvania Street,

Indianapolis, IN 46204.