MIT Graduate Student Union
UE Local 256

Fixed-Term Staff Organizer

Based in Cambridge, MA

 

The MIT Graduate Student Union - UE Local 256 seeks a Fixed-Term Staff Organizer to support our 2026 contract campaign. UE Local 256 is a union of over 3,000 graduate student-workers at MIT. We are a democratic organization using our collective power to improve working and living conditions for all MIT graduate workers. We are an affiliate of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America (UE).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with contract negotiations.
• Developing and maintaining workplace leadership structures.
• Training members, stewards, and rank-and-file local officers.
• Building escalating issue campaigns in the workplace.
• Developing coalition and political action work.
• Assisting with new organizing campaigns.
• Other duties as directed by the Local Executive Board.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
While no one candidate will possess every quality outlined for this position, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional skills and personal attributes:

• Commitment to rank-and-file leadership development.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Being well organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong professional and calm demeanor, exhibiting tact, and working well with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Proficient computer, spreadsheet, data entry, and other technology skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Experience as a union representative and/or organizer preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is full-time and is based in our Cambridge, MA office with a hybrid or fully in-person schedule.
The position requires work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is $60,293 per year. Benefits include excellent health and dental insurance coverage and generous time off.

DURATION
This is a fixed-term position lasting through one month after the ratification of UE256’s second contract or December 31, 2026, whichever is earlier, with the possibility of a fixed-term extension if the contract is not ratified at the end of the 2026 fall term.

APPLICATION
Please email a résumé and cover letter to: contact@mitgsu.org.

People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.