Massachusetts Teachers Association

Field representative-organizers
(two positions)

Based in Middleton and Worcester, MA

About us:
The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) represents more than 117,000 members and nearly 400 local residents across the state and employs a full-time staff of over 150 employees. Our members are public school teachers, faculty, professional staff, and learning support professionals working in public schools, colleges, and universities. As a member-led organization and the largest union in New England, our collective strength makes the MTA an influential voice for educators, students and their communities. We are proud to be advocates for social, racial, and economic justice and for the public education system that provides one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.

We seek two Field representative-organizers In Middleton and Worcester

Key Responsibilities:
Field Representative – Organizer is responsible for helping build strong local citizens and a strong union by supporting local leaders and rank-and-file members in all aspects of internal organizing, bargaining, contract enforcement, representation, and executing local, regional, and statewide campaigns that connect members to the life of the union.

Basic job duties:

• Support local residents in all aspects of internal organisation, including recruitment and retention of members, establishing effective communication and representation structures for the building and work site, and identifying and developing leadership.
• Support local residents in all aspects of contract enforcement and representation.
• Supporting local people in all aspects of contract campaigns and negotiations, including multiple forms of democratic bargaining (open, coordinated, coalition and public good bargaining), which achieve bargaining criteria and build grassroots power
• Support local residents to create effective administrative systems and business plans for member registration, new recruitment guidelines, collect accurate member data, and track and register potential members

Specific responsibilities:

• Support local residents in identifying building-based and/or local issues and developing an overall problem-solving strategy
• Support local residents to implement initiatives that engage and empower marginalized groups such as members of color, educational providers/classified staff, and unit workers, and center social and racial justice in the work of the union
• Support local residents to implement initiatives to build cultural competence, a climate of equity and inclusion, and other initiatives to raise awareness and support the values ​​of equity and inclusion
• Collaborate with regional organizers, bargaining campaign, and strategy specialists to implement strategic, coordinated campaigns and link bargaining and local issues to college/university, regional, and statewide campaigns.
• Collaborate with TPL and other field staff to develop and deliver training on all aspects of union skills for local leaders and emerging activists based on a grassroots education model
• Encourage active participation of local residents and their members in political and legislative activities of the MTA/NEA including the Senate District Coordinator/Political Action Liaison Program
• Help local residents build relationships with students, parents, and the community and pursue public good initiatives
• Assist in organizing or leading campaigns for new units
• Conduct periodic assessments of member needs and evaluations of the quality of field services and recommend Regional Director program activities to improve the quality of services to better meet member needs.
• Coordinate all MTA/NEA activities in case of crises related to collective bargaining, job security, professional quality, organizational integrity, legal rights or legislative activity in areas for which the representative is appointed by the Regional Director.
• Contribute to building a strong, unified statewide union dedicated to social, racial, and economic justice
• Implement MTA/NEA policy in the Field Representative Organizer’s mission area
• Provide support to MTA committees, task forces, and other assigned teams.
• Other related duties as needed or assigned within areas of responsibility

Qualifications:

• Commitment to the mission and strategic goals of the MTA and the organized teaching profession
• Significant experience as a union representative or organizer with proven abilities in organizing, representative work, contract enforcement, collective bargaining, and strategic campaigning.
• Understand the basic concepts and commit to dismantling systems of oppression that create inequalities based on race, class, and gender
• Ability to listen and influence across multiple MTA stakeholders and promote cross-cultural and organizational dialogue
• Experience and familiarity with multiple forms of democratic bargaining including open, coordinated, coalition and bargaining for the common good
• Understanding and commitment to the vision of the labor movement that advances social, racial, and economic justice and the common good agenda
• Ability to create and maintain successful working relationships and teams with employees, leaders and members
• Effective writing and communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel; Experience with PowerPoint, VAN, and Hustle preferred
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are preferred
• Ability to work well under a tight deadline and in a team environment
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and long hours when needed
• Driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required
• Cover letter preferred

*MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion*

The MTA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply here: https://www.click2apply.net/xb2Xd7T2z8oNyfdmVu5omW

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