Union Organizer

The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO), IFT/AFT Local 6300, AFL-CIO is the labor union representing over 3000 Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, and Pre-Professional Graduate Assistants at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This year we are seeking to unionize the Research Assistants as well.

The Union Organizer will play a crucial role in unionizing the Research Assistants (RAs) and ensuring they are protected under the union’s contract with the university. Because many RAs are siloed in departments distinct from those departments with primarily teaching and graduate assistants, it is vital to connect with RAs based on their unique working conditions and challenges.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Building one-on-one relationships with RAs
• Gather and maintain information that is useful in identifying opportunities for membership growth and mobilization
• Identifying and developing leaders to guide and lead campaigns
• Conducting individual and group meetings with workers to discuss and plan organizing campaigns
• Motivating workers and groups of workers to become members, take action, and lead other workers to do the same
• Conducting broad and intensive outreach efforts to unionize RAs
• Help with contract negotiation and enforcement, including finding and filing grievances, assisting the bargaining team, assisting with arbitrations, and research

Job Requirements

• Willingness to occasionally work irregular hours
• Capacity to work independently and with a team
• The ability to make and follow through on a work plan
• Sharp communications skills
• Basic writing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• The ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with digital organizing tools such as Action Network is desirable but not required
• Previous experience in union organizing is highly desirable

Application Process

To apply, send a cover letter and resume including two or more references, and contact information to [email protected] with the subject “Organizer Posting.” To ensure full consideration, apply by July 15, 2024. After that date, applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

The targeted start date is September 9, 2024.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary is $70,000/year including paid time off for sick days and vacation
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, and Retirement, among other benefits
• This position is covered by the GEO Staff Union contract. The GEO
• Staff Union negotiates pay and benefits with the GEO.

Affirmative Action Statement

The GEO is an AA/EEO employer. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The GEO encourages all applicants to use the cover letter, resume, references, or an additional info sheet in a format and length of your choosing, to disclose any information (voluntarily) as it relates to:

1. Any past experiences organizing to address issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, etc. Including, but not limited to, why you were moved to organize on these issues and how that organizing experience empowered those people who are directly affected by institutionalized discrimination (women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, etc), and put those affected individuals at the forefront of organizing efforts.
2. Your potential future role as you see it as an organizer with the GEO and how you would address institutional forms of racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.

The GEO has historically organized around social justice issues. We encourage applicants to share similar organizing experiences and goals. Sharing this information is voluntary. Applicants should share as much information as they deem relevant to the job. Preference will be given to applicants who exhibit experience, passion, and an ongoing desire to overcome institutional and interpersonal forms of discrimination.