Director of Organizing

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 15, 2013

POSITION TITLE: Director of Organizing

FLSA CODE: Exempt

EEO CLASSIFICATION: Executive/Senior Level Officials and Managers

JOB OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE STATEMENT

As a member of the OEA Management Team, the Director of Organizing leads the development, alignment, and operational implementation of the OEA’s organizing strategies and supporting systems that expand the capacity of the OEA to achieve its mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Design and manage organizing campaigns and coordinate all aspects of the campaign including vision, strategy, timeline, communication, outreach, and politics.
2. Work collaboratively with OEA leadership and staff to

a. Design, develop, implement and execute targeted strategic organizing plans.
b. Develop and execute grassroots strategies to broaden membership base.
c. Identify and set performance indicators for organizing campaigns.
d. Organize education and advocacy events that grow the organization’s strategic relationships, such as “know your rights” presentations, community forums, rallies and trainings.
e. Conceptualize, produce and distribute organizing materials, publications, and electronic media.
f. Ensure that organizing strategies and tactics are aligned with the overall strategic direction of the OEA.

3. Directly supervise an assigned team of Professional and Associate staff employees.
4. Integrate technology as a tool to advance organizing goals; utilize effective organizing models and methodologies to promote campaign success.
5. Develop yearly work plans and prepare organizing campaign tracking and accountability reports.
6. Develop and implement curricula for organizer training and skill development for staff and leaders.
7. Forge and strengthen collaborative efforts and relationships within the organizing team and across organizational groups.
8. Cultivate positive and proactive relationships with NEA and other state affiliates, members of the community, advocacy organizations, and other community organizations.
9. In collaboration with other OEA managers, ensure that assigned staff is aware of all responsibilities associated with their positions, have access to appropriate training for all aspects of their jobs, are issued clear performance expectations and performance feedback, and perform at satisfactory levels.
10. In collaboration with the appropriate OEA managers and staff, participate in the development of the OEA budget for organizing operations and manage departmental expenditures.
11. Provide leadership and advice to assigned staff regarding the resolution of operational problems that align with the OEA strategic goals, governing policies, core values, budget, and staff contracts.
12. Serve as a member of the OEA's management team and perform such management, supervisory, and administrative functions as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (PURPOSE SPECIFICATIONS)
Education, Experience and Training:
Bachelor’s degree or higher degree; significant experience in the labor movement, including a minimum of eight (8) years union organizing experience with increasing responsibility. Working experience managing organizing campaigns and supervising staff. Successful conflict management experience and a track record for achieving results.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Demonstrated leadership in designing and managing membership campaigns, including organizing and motivating allies, volunteers, and activists and working cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Excellent writing, speaking and analytic skills; the ability to analyze and articulate complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively on cross-functional and diverse teams (internal and external) on complex issues.
• Demonstrated effective team-building skills, and sensitivity and commitment to a diverse and unionized workplace.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to adjust to changing demands; excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to pursue projects with energy, drive, and perseverance especially in the face of resistance or setback.
• Ability to use project management tools to manage organizing campaigns and projects.
• Ability to, in collaboration with the appropriate OEA managers, develop and manage an annual budget for assigned departments and monitor expenditures on a regular basis.
• Ability to effectively engage and manage staff.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, and/or extended hours.
• Position requires occasional in-state and out-of-state travel to carry out essential functions.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned office equipment, and other duties as assigned. This position is a high level staff position whose primary duty consists of the performance of office work directly related to the management of OEA, and is not a production position.

AUTHORITY AND RELATIONSHIPS
Works under minimal supervision. Reports to the Assistant Executive Director – Field. Develops and manages annual operating budget. Authorize expenditures in the unit. Supervise the daily operation of the staff of the Organizing department and others as assigned.

OTHER INFORMATION
Salary to be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Fringe benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, paid holidays and retirement plans, including 401(k). This position is a non-bargaining unit management position and is currently available. This position is located in OEA Headquarters.

For consideration, please submit a letter of interest and resume to hr@ohea.org or by mail to: Ohio Education Association, Attn: HR, P.O. Box 2550, Columbus, Ohio 43216. This position remains open until filled. Visit our website at www.ohea.org for information about OEA.

The OEA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.