CTU
Chicago Teachers Union

Organizer

Based in Chicago, IL

 

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and experienced organizer or educator who would like to become an Organizer to join its team!

The Chicago Teachers Union is a transformative labor union of nearly 30,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, and staff in the Chicago Public Schools and charter schools. We are a global leader in the fight for educational justice, racial equity, economic justice, workers’ power and the right of all students, all people, and all communities to thrive. 

Organizers at the Chicago Teacher’s Union play a critical role in building the strength, unity, and power of educators through organizing campaigns, member engagement, and leadership development. The ideal candidate is passionate about public education, labor rights, and social justice, and possesses strong interpersonal and strategic skills to mobilize educators to take collective action for better working and learning conditions.

Primary Responsibilities
Organizing & Member Engagement

• Identify, recruit, and develop union members and workplace leaders.
• Organize around workplace issues such as wages, class size, health and safety, evaluations, and contract enforcement.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings, site visits, and house calls to build relationships and motivate participation.
• Lead issue-based campaigns that mobilize membership and advance union priorities.

Leadership Development

• Facilitate trainings, workshops, and mentoring for new and existing union activists.
• Support rank-and-file members in taking on organizing and leadership roles.

Campaigns & Advocacy

• Help develop and implement strategic campaigns, including contract negotiations, organizing drives, and political initiatives.
• Build coalitions with parents, students, and community groups to advocate for strong public education policies.

Communications

• Create campaign materials and communicate union goals through newsletters, social media, and other channels.
• Maintain accurate member data, reports, and documentation using databases or organizing software.

Internal Union Work

• Assist in planning and executing union meetings, events, and actions.
• Represent the union at conferences, school board meetings, and in community forums.

Essential Qualifications

• 2 years experience campaigns, organizing, teaching/education, youth development, labor movement, social justice, program coordination, etc.
• Experience in community or labor organizing, political campaigns, or union work.
• Some familiarity with Chicago’s education and political landscape.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening.
• Ability to build trust, resolve conflict, and motivate people to act.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications

• Bilingual 
• Knowledge of public education issues and the challenges faced by teachers.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining, labor law, and union structures.

If you do not meet all of the required qualifications, but believe this role is right for you, please apply, but be sure to uplift all experience that align with both essential and desired qualifications.

Location & Hours of Operations
CTU’s hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm cst, plus weekends and evenings as the work dictates. 

Compensation & Benefits
$66,373.23 starting salary 

CTU offers a competitive compensation package including employer subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurances, employer contributed 401(k), vacation time, short term disability, health savings plan/dependent care flexible spending account, car and phone allowance.

This position is part of a union bargaining unit and covered by applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Hiring Timeline and Process 
Résumés will be accepted through November 14 (and thereafter on an as needed/ rolling basis until role is filled).  

Our Interview Process
We anticipate that our interview process will involve 2-3 rounds of interviews, ranging in length from 30-60 minutes, including a skills assessment. 

If offered a role at CTU, the candidate will undergo a vetting process, including reference and background check before their start date.

How to Apply 
Please complete this form, including uploading your résumé and a writing sample: Application | Organizer.

The Chicago Teachers Union is building a culture rooted in justice, care, collaboration, and collective power. We are committed to fostering a liberatory and inclusive workplace where all staff are supported, heard, and empowered to lead. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, or sexual orientation. 

Additionally, CTU is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, CTU will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview and hiring process. 

If reasonable accommodation is needed in the interview process, please email: hr@ctulocal1.org. Requests for updates in the hiring/interview process or other solicitations should not be sent to this email and will not be responded to.