WAU is hiring!
Wayne Academic Union (WAU, AAUP-AFT Local 6075 AFL-CIO) is seeking a full-time Organizer. This is an in-person role in Detroit, Michigan, with the expectation of in-office/on-campus work most days each week.
WAU represents the 1700 faculty and academic staff working at Wayne State University. Our union protects and furthers the interests of WSU faculty and academic staff by improving working conditions through collective bargaining, fighting for fair salaries, equity, and due process; supporting racial, social, and economic justice; and strengthening shared governance. WAU is jointly affiliated with the American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers.
The Organizer reports to the Executive Director, and works alongside volunteer officers and rank-and-file members to both improve campus working conditions and fight for the common good.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Work with Union leadership & members to:
Identify, recruit, and develop rank-and-file members as leaders
Build out infrastructure to train and develop rank-and-file members as organizers
Identify organizational and strategic gaps and raise them with officers
Assist officers & members in developing short-term and long-term (3+ year) organizing plans, and support them in executing these
Consult on campaign strategy
Lead Organizing Fellows program of 8 volunteer member organizers
Work to foster transparency and democracy within the union
Assist with day-to-day operations, including (but not limited to): maintaining an accurate list of membership, keeping the office organized, prepping materials for General Membership Meetings, etc.
Attend committee meetings, actions, orientations, and events
Desired qualifications:
3 years experience as an organizer
Ability to self-direct—independently develop and prioritize goals, tasks, and timelines, and take initiative in projects
Strong delegation skills
Demonstrated ability to cultivate leadership
Ability to work with experienced and newly developed organizers
Commitment to increasing democratic participation within organizations
Ability to work irregular hours (i.e. evenings and weekends)
Approachable with strong communication skills
Bonus experience:
Conceptualizing and executing large-scale campaign strategy
Developing organic leaders within marginalized/minority communities
Addressing conflict with conflict resolution
Writing professional communications, including messaging docs, blog posts, emails to large and small groups, text messaging, website content
Using digital organizing and communications tools
Working with faculty/higher ed unions
Benefits and Compensation: The Organizer position is union-represented with the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, Local 34022. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, long-term disability income insurance programs, a generous retirement contribution, parking, official paid holidays, and non-contributory group life insurance coverage.
To Apply:
Send a résumé and cover letter to office@waunion.org with "Organizer Application" in the subject line. The review of applications will begin April 10, 2024. We will review applications and interview applicants until the position is filled.
People who have been historically limited or excluded by the academy and/or face institutional discrimination based on their gender, race, ethnicity, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, country of origin, religion, and/or other aspects of their identity are encouraged to apply.