Fairfax County Federation of Teachers
AFT Affiliate Local 2401

Lead Organizer

Based in Springfield, VA

 

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, In Person (Field and in Office) 
Reports to: Organizing Director 
Works closely with: Organizing Department, Representation Department, Communications Department, Political Department

About FCFT
FCFT is a labor union based in Northern Virginia representing the Operational and Instructional workers of Fairfax County Public Schools, including transportation workers, custodians, teachers, counselors, social workers, maintenance and trades staff, food service workers, and clerical staff. We are an organizing union focused on building worker power and engaging the community around well-funded and supported public schools.

Position Summary 
The core role of the Lead Organizer is to provide leadership, direction and development to staff and members as it relates to carrying out the vision, goals and respective campaigns of the union. The Lead Organizer position is the first level of staff supervision for the Organizing Department.

Key Responsibilities 

• Independently manage assigned turf and that of their team, including driving outcomes on membership recruitment, leader identification and development, conduct member trainings and meetings, and build and grow worker power, including Organizing Committees, Contract Action Teams, etc.
• Supervise, train, and coach staff to successfully achieve outcomes.
• Create and execute staff development plans to build skills and competencies.
• Hold staff accountable to outcomes, up to and including disciplinary measures.
• Build and develop staff teams, including hiring and onboarding; coordinate and lead teams of staff and members in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and campaigns that drive key strategic outcomes.
• Develop and lead organizing campaigns and programs across the department.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to guide integration of politics, community relationships and organizing support into campaigns, programs, and daily work of staff.
• Make, execute, and evaluate strategic campaign plans and work plans with assigned staff, based on assigned goals and objectives.
• Train staff and members on critical skills, competencies and industry knowledge.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 
Required Competencies:

• Organize their own work and the work of their team, including creating clear roles and responsibilities, clear communication, organize their time and support staff to do the same, and demonstrate self-motivation.
• Highly effective oral, written and digital communication skills.
• Computer and digital literacy relevant to the position.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in union or community organizing.
• 6+ months of managerial or supervisory experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments and ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, execute and evaluate strategic campaign plans and work plans.
• Demonstrated ability to lead staff and member teams and hold staff accountable to achieve desired outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to meet goals around membership, leader development, and building worker power.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate data on program or campaign areas and use data to guide decisions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public education and Fairfax County Public Schools.

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for the position is $72,000 to $82,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid health benefits including medical, dental, and vision; paid time off; phone stipend; and mileage and expense reimbursements. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) retirement plan after six (6) months of employment; the organization will match employee contributions up to 6%.

How to Apply: 
Please submit cover letter, résumé and 3 references via the link provided HERE. 

Equity Statement:
At FCFT, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences and encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all qualifications listed.

Current and former Fairfax County Federation of Teachers members are encouraged to apply.