UCW is hiring a West TN Organizer!

United Campus Workers-Communications Workers of America Local 3865
Job Announcement

Position Title: West TN Organizer 
Location: Memphis, TN

United Campus Workers Background:
United Campus Workers (CWA Local 3865) is Tennessee’s higher education union. In 2000, a core of campus workers, students and community allies launched an organizing drive for living wages and decent working conditions on the UT Knoxville campus.  Beginning with few resources outside of the workers’ initiative and student solidarity, we have continued building a wall-to-wall, non-majority union that includes full and part-time staff, faculty and graduate workers coming together to fight for economic and social justice on campus and across Tennessee. UCW is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO, CLC) and has a current membership of over 2,200 faculty, staff, and graduate workers at Tennessee’s universities and community colleges. Despite no union recognition, collective bargaining, payroll deduction, agency fee, or robust representation rights, UCW-CWA is punching far above our weight, increasing our membership while securing victories against well-heeled enemies. Our recent #TNisNotForSale campaign was successful in stopping Tennessee’s billionaire governor’s attempt to privatize thousands of higher education workers’ jobs. In Memphis, members are actively organizing to raise the minimum wage on campus to $15 an hour, fight for healthcare for graduate workers, and have a voice in university decision making. 

UCW-CWA currently employs 3 full-time organizers, and a part-time bookkeeper/membership services coordinator. Our members continue to lead struggles for human rights, dignity, respect and power. We work to advance the interests of Tennessee higher education staff and faculty and promote solidarity and economic justice across workplaces and communities.  Our staff organizers are responsible for new organizing, leadership development, and movement building with community and student allies. As a local affiliate of the international union, Communications Workers of America, we also support CWA organizing campaigns within the union’s other core industries. This position will also assist with these organizing drives where appropriate. 

On-the-job training for this position is provided, with potential travel to campaigns at various points of development across the state and region.

Responsibilities:

• Establish organizing committees and work with existing members to build membership, support leadership development, and expand capacity
• Conduct worksite and home visits to recruit new members
• Develop and Implement organizing program and campaign plans
• Support research and development of potential new and existing organizing projects

Job Requirements:

• Strong commitment to social justice and the labor movement
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on a team, as well as take individual initiative with minimal supervision
• Ability to work an irregular schedule, including nights and weekends
• Driver’s license, reliable access to car, and the ability to rent a car for out of area travel
• Previous union or community organizing experience
• Knowledge of basic office and computer technology (MS Office, email, database programs, etc.)
• Previous work history of supporting leadership development, legislative/lobbying and/or policy advocacy experience, and advanced knowledge of technology applications, website, basic design, etc. preferred.

Salary and Benefits:
UCW-CWA offers a starting salary of $47,500, health insurance, earned paid sick and vacation time, all planned and unplanned administrative closings recognized by the University of Memphis, and rental car and meal allowance paid for when traveling. UCW is an equal opportunity employer. Union members, people of color, women, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.

Any interested person should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to fairness@ucw-cwa.org by April 17, 2020.

Call with questions: 877-292-3865.