GEO Membership Organizer 2018-2019
Rationale:
The Membership Organizer will be hired with the expressed aim of growing the union and sustaining membership drives within GEO. This staff position will serve as GEO’s field organizer who will lead efforts of outreach, recruitment and visibility. It will be necessary for this organizer to spend significant part of their time meeting workers at their workstations to ensure high membership density and to facilitate member to member conversations. With the clear need to grow our membership by identifying and signing up non-payers and agency fee payers as well as increasing the participation of existing members, this staff member will be charged with training a volunteer force to engage members directly and improve GEO’s direct communication within less active departments. A key aspect of this position’s role within the union will be to strengthen our stewards’ network, especially in underrepresented departments. Working closely with the Mobilization Coordinator and stewards, this Organizer will focus on signing up members and establishing a strong Organizing Committee. Collaborating with the Holyoke office will be vital to ensure GEO has clear and up to date lists of our members and that the union is receiving accurate remission of dues and fees from the University. This position is charged with creating materials, events and trainings to bring workers into the union and thus help Staff and Leadership in engaging new members.
Job Responsibilities:
This position will require frequent field work and organizing events in work spaces with low union participation. The Membership Organizer will work to sign up members with the aim of reaching 100% union membership. This central task will be developed as a collective effort with the Mobilization Coordinator, the Organizing Committee, the Steering Committee, the Stewards’ Assembly, the Accounts Receivable Coordinator, GEO/UAW Servicing Representative and UAW 2322 President. The Organizer will routinely set up trainings to cement member to member conversations and rank and file mobilization. This Organizer will work closely with UAW 2322 Servicing Representatives in the performance of these duties. This position is directly supervised by the GEO Steering Committee and the UAW 2322 President.
Job Objectives:
- Establish, sustain and grow membership drives that will increase membership engagement, participation and empowerment
- Keep track of membership lists and ensure the union receives accurate remission of dues and fees from the University
- Create events and trainings to ensure 100% union membership
- Sustain field work to bring workers into the union
Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Consistent field work, direct member engagement and recruitment
- Support in the facilitation and organization of membership drives, member to member conversation trainings and events in low density departments
- Routinely ensure our membership lists are correct and we are receiving accurate remission of dues and fees from the University
- Participate in GEO General Membership Meetings as well as the Stewards Assembly
- Work with GEO Leadership, the Mobilization Coordinator and Grievance Coordinator to address labor concerns and ensure equitable enforcement of the GEO contract
- Participate in the ongoing planning and evaluation of GEO’s organizing efforts
- Record, document, and archive projects, campaigns, and membership concerns carried out during the term
- Carry-out miscellaneous duties immediately necessary for the office
Details:
We are hiring one (1) benefited position, 20 hours a week; from May 27, 2018 – May 25, 2019. We are seeking candidates with experience working with underrepresented minority communities, as well as experience organizing events and meetings. See attached job description for more details.
Every organizing position also comes with the requirement that the organizer be willing to help out in campaigns and organizing projects that are not narrowly related to their specialty, particularly at times when tasks within their organizing specialty are not at peak periods of intensity. Organizers are thus responsible for all aspects of assistance in the union’s organizing campaigns, including campaign start-up, assessments, developing literature, running meetings and workplace actions.
All employees are expected to devote a portion of their paid working hours to office management tasks (i.e. holding office hours, answering phones, taking messages, in-taking grievances, greeting members who come into the office, etc.) and to attend meetings as required, including regular staff meetings. Some night and weekend hours may be required.
Applicants must have been GEO members for 2 consecutive semesters prior to the hire.
In order to apply, please submit:
A resume.
A cover letter stating the reasons you are interested in the position and your qualifications. Also, please include your thoughts on the following questions:
- Why are you interested in being hired for this position?
- What kind of union activism, organizing, community or volunteer experience do you have? In what capacities have you been active within GEO?
- What skills do you possess that would be beneficial for this position?
- Do you plan on having another assistantship or paid position that will require a significant commitment of your time? If so, please provide details of this position.
A completed GEO Staff Application Form (see below).
Be prepared to bring proof of your student status to your interview (e.g. a letter from your GPD confirming your status). Also, international students need to provide their work authorization documents.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected], applications are due by May 23, 2018.
GEO STAFF POSITION APPLICATION FORM
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