Staff Representative [Vocational & Specialty]

Overview of Position

Staff Representatives are responsible for both traditional contract servicing functions (e.g., contract negotiations, grievance/arbitration support) and membership engagement duties (e.g., increasing membership, developing activists, assisting with labor and political campaigns). Additionally, they support the long-term vision and strategy as outlined by the AFTPA President and Executive Council.

Qualities Sought

The desired candidate will be a strong proponent for the professional status of educators, including their salary and benefit rights, improved working conditions, and the ability to advocate for members during their employment. Moreover, such a candidate has the personality and understanding needed to engage with a diverse member population in addition to supporting the talent development of local leaders.

Role & Responsibilities 

(1) Serve as primary support for local leaders in the collective bargaining process including strategizing with locals, attending contract negotiation sessions, assisting in the drafting and editing of proposals, etc.

(2) Manage and assist local leaders with grievances, arbitrations, and mediation related issues.

(3) Conduct regular visits to assigned locals including (but not limited to) membership meetings, board/governance meetings.

(4) Develop and implement workshops and activist training programs in the areas of (a) collective bargaining, (b) contract compliance, (c) financial compliance, and (d) membership engagement and labor organizing.

(5) Coordinate and maintain local membership data including databases (e.g. AFT Connect) and financial recordkeeping (e.g., QuickBooks); monitor the overall health of the local.

(6) Assist the Executive Director with long-term strategy implementation, as developed by the Executive Council, including coordinating with fellow national and state union affiliates.

(7) Perform other duties as assigned including support with special projects.

Qualifications

A viable applicant will have:

(1) Minimum three years of experience in (a) vocational education; (b) contract negotiation and servicing; and/or (c) membership engagement and organizing. (A combination of two or more areas is acceptable.) Note: Minimum experience requirements must be outlined in the cover letter.

(2) Bachelor's Degree required; vocational education or industry certification preferred

(3) Strong understanding of the collective bargaining process and facility with data use

(4) Expertise with membership engagement and labor organizing including campaign support.

(5) Familiarity with project management and support as well as an ability to work independently and take professional initiatives.

(6) Ability to design adult professional development and/or trainings.

(7) Knowledge of commonly used computer applications, including the MS Office 365 suite.

(8) A commitment to the principles of the labor movement and understanding of contemporary issues in K-12 education and/or healthcare sector.

Position Information

(1) Travel Required: Yes, Regional/Statewide Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and is willing to live/relocate to the Greater Philadelphia area. Note: Assignments are located statewide.

(2) Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; Retirement

(3) Reports to: AFT Pennsylvania Executive Director

(4) Posting Expiration Date: September 11, 2020 (11:59p.m.) Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until posting expiration date.

(5) Submission Process: Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and three references letters to the following: info@aftpa.org / ATTN: Application for Staff Representative [Vocational/Specialty]