Seattle AFL-CIO Presidents’ Organizing Initiative (POI) Organizer

Based in Seattle, WA

High-impact opportunity to support the development of breakthrough strategies and tactics to grow the labor movement in Seattle, WA and beyond. Through the Presidents’ Organizing Initiative housed at MLK Labor,  an exceptional partnership has been formed among Seattle-area local unions, the King County Central Labor Council, international unions, and the AFL-CIO national union federation to advance new external organizing strategies that can be replicated in other regions. In addition, the project is developing innovative virtual infrastructures in collaboration with participating unions and community organizations. POI’s work is guided by strategic organizing goals and a commitment to racial equity, gender equity, and climate justice.

Position Summary:

The POI Organizer is responsible for supporting participating affiliates to organize strategic targets in  a collaborative environment to achieve organizing breakthroughs that are beyond what they could do without additional capacity. This can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Understanding and executing the stages and components of an organizing campaign arc
• Creating a strategic plan with specific achievable goals, tactics, and the development of a detailed timeline
• Identifying needs and utilizing traditional and innovative organizing tools to move campaigns efficiently
• Obtaining worker commitments to each other and their union through different means of worker outreach, such as house visits, work site visits, phone banking, and in-person group meetings
• Creating union literature such as leaflets, palm cards, and zines
• Planning and implementing digital/online campaigns on different web and social media platforms
• Coalition building with local unions and community organizations
• Working independently and remotely as necessary
• Participating in occasional work in outside weather conditions
• Work hours and days of work will fluctuate as necessary to meet campaign needs, worker schedules, actions, and other activities which may require long days, evenings, and weekends.

Accountability:

The POI Organizer will operate under the supervision and guidance of the POI Program Director and Deputy Program Director.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Critical thinking, a strong sense of social justice,  and the ability to move people beyond their fear towards collective action
• Openness to “out-of-the-box,” creative, and innovative tactics for organizing
• Demonstrated ability to win union organizing campaigns
• Ability to have professional relationships with union organizing directors, principal officers, and organizers
• Experience in a coalition where participants successfully used strategic collective power to change material conditions, such as a change in corporate policy or public policy
• Capable of juggling multiple responsibilities and handling fast-paced settings, multiple projects, and tight deadlines
• Motivated to develop one’s own skills, acquire knowledge and proactively seek opportunities to learn
• Valid driver’s license, vehicle, and auto insurance

Preferred:

• Experienced navigating various recognition processes, in particular though the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for RC Elections and/or WA State Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) 
• Familiarity with executing labor harmony agreements (LHAs) and card check processes for union recognition
• Familiarity with Railway Labor Act (RLA) and the National Mediation Board (NMB)
• Ability to speak and write in language(s) other than English
• Previous/current union membership

Compensation and Benefits:

The POI Organizer is an OPEIU 8 represented position with employer-paid benefits and a starting salary of $77,000 annually. This is a project position whose continuity will be based on grant funding by national affiliate unions.

To apply:

Email cover letter, résumé, and 3 references to the Organizer Search Committee at pia@mlklabor.org. 

Please use the subject line “POI Organizer – (Your Name)” and  attach application documents in PDF.

Application deadline extended to February 13, 2023.

MLK Labor is an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply.