The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a fast-growing union of higher education workers that is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), is pleased to announce a professional position for a project organizer, to be filled as soon as possible. Our goal is to unite and mobilize the higher ed sector against increasing partisan attacks. We must protect college and university teaching and research by protecting the jobs of instructors and researchers, strengthen the labor movement by forging cross-sector solidarity, and defend democracy itself against authoritarian encroachment. The Project Organizer will play a critical role in mounting our defense.
The Project Organizer will be central to implementing AAUP’s national strategy for fighting back against funding cuts, political threats and intimidation, interference with academic freedom, and job losses. The Project Organizer will organize and mobilize members in both collective bargaining and non-collective bargaining settings. A successful candidate will be a skilled organizer, an excellent communicator, and capable of operating independently and using good judgment. This is an exciting opportunity at a critically important time in the AAUP, the academy, and the labor movement. The Organizer will travel widely and work under the direction of AAUP’s Executive Director. We invite you to join us in our vital work to protect and defend colleges and universities; teaching, learning, and research; and higher education workers.
This is a one-year Special Appointment position covered by the AAUP-United Staff of AAUP collective bargaining agreement. Renewal of the position for a second year is possible dependent on funding. Special Appointment positions are short-term appointments (not to exceed two years) for the purpose of fulfilling clearly defined, temporary projects, including but not limited to organizing assignments, pilot programs, and grant-funded projects.
The AAUP is committed to a diverse workforce and strives to achieve a workplace environment respectful of the many cultures of our own employees and the higher education workers we represent, including a significant number of African-American, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, and Latinx employees, as well as LGBTQl-identified employees, and those who have immigrated from various countries. The AAUP values the benefits that diversity brings to the faculty profession and the labor movement. We seek applicants whose experience and perspective will contribute to strong representation of our diverse members.
Duties and Responsibilities
Working with AAUP chapter leaders and rank and file members to implement a strategic campaign. This includes on-the-ground work to recruit and train organizing committees, as well as working on-site with members to plan and carry out campaign plans to reach identified goals.
Fostering leadership development and membership growth in our chapters and state conferences, including helping to develop new AAUP advocacy chapters.
Assisting AAUP chapters with building membership and engagement, including assisting our chapters with developing and implementing campus organizing plans.
Facilitating communication among AAUP chapters and other labor and community organizations.
Coordinating with Association leaders and staff on particular projects and long-range planning, including responsibility for planning content for campus, regional, and national training events.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the United States, to work long, irregular hours and weekends as needed, and to accept lengthy field assignments in different locations. This is a national position and requires an ability to travel and work throughout the country.
Three years’ experience as an organizer required. (Union organizer experience preferred, but we will also consider candidates with political and community organizing experience).
Experience with membership development, leadership identification, and grassroots organizing required.
Knowledge of labor relations and professional issues relating to higher education preferred.
Experience successfully using digital tools to facilitate organizing work required.
Experience and demonstrated ability to work with professional groups and individuals required.
Commitment to racial equity required; demonstrated experience with racial equity or DEI initiatives preferred.
Superior written and oral communication skills and computer proficiency skills, including working familiarity with MS Office suite required. Experience with cloud-based organizing databases preferred.
Associate degree required; BA or advanced degree and experience teaching and/or conducting research in higher education preferred.
Valid Driver’s License.
Compensation
Salary range: $72,671 to 75,606. Generous benefits package, including health insurance and 401(K).
Position Classification
This position is categorized as a one-year Special Appointment Senior Program Officer in the Department of Organizing and is part of the staff union bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and not eligible for overtime pay.
Work Location
This position is remote with multiple in-person work sites nationwide.
To Apply
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references. The cover letter, resume, and references are all required. No phone calls or recruiters please. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act | Employee Polygraph Protection Act).
About American Association of University Professors
The mission of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is to advance academic freedom and shared governance; to define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education; to promote the economic security of faculty, academic professionals, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and all those engaged in teaching and research in higher education; to help the higher education community organize to make our goals a reality; and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good. Founded in 1915, the AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain quality in education and academic freedom in this country's colleges and universities.
