South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO Area Labor Council

Field Representative

Based in South-Central Michigan

 

The South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO Area Labor Council is an area labor body representing twenty-three union locals and more than 5,000 workers across Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren, and Allegan Counties. Guided by the values of democracy, solidarity, equity, and justice, we work to build a strong, inclusive labor movement rooted in worker leadership. The South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO Area Labor Council is a member-led organization with an elected Executive Board, a Delegate Body from affiliated locals, and active committees where much of our organizing, political, and campaign work takes place.

Role & Responsibilities
The Field Representative strengthens participation within the South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO Area Labor Council’s affiliated unions, committees, and delegate structures. The role centers on building relationships with union members, supporting emerging leaders, strengthening affiliate participation, and helping carry out the Council’s organizing and political priorities.

The Field Representative reports directly to the President. Key responsibilities include:

Organizing & Member Engagement

• Build strong relationships with affiliate leaders, delegates, stewards, and members.
• Hold one-on-one conversations to identify issues, increase participation, and support leadership development.
• Coach emerging leaders and maintain consistent follow-up with affiliates and members.

Political Action & COPE

• Support the Area Labor Council’s local political and electoral program, including COPE activities, candidate screenings, and endorsements.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, candidates, political partners, and affiliate political leaders.
• Recruit and mobilize union members for labor walks, canvassing, phone banking, candidate forums, rallies, and other political activities.
• Track local elections, ballot proposals, legislation, and public policy issues affecting working people.

Committee & Delegate Support

• Coordinate assigned committees, including agendas, reminders, and follow-up.
• Support delegate meetings and internal democratic processes.
• Maintain clear communication among committees, delegates, affiliates, and leadership.

Mobilization & Action Coordination

• Support turnout and logistics for rallies, direct actions, trainings, political events, and public events.
• Mobilize union members during rapid-response moments and affiliate solidarity actions.
• Ensure internal outreach aligns with external communications and partner efforts.

Internal Systems & Administration

• Maintain accurate internal lists, records, and tracking systems.
• Provide consistent follow-up after meetings, events, and organizing activities.
• Submit weekly activity updates to the President.

Qualifications & Compensation
You do not need prior union staff experience, but you do need a strong organizing foundation. We are looking for someone who:

• Has real experience organizing (labor, community, political, campus, or issue-based).
• Builds trust easily, communicates well across differences, and follows up reliably.
• Enjoys supporting worker-leaders and helping people find their role in collective work.
• Stays organized, manages details, and juggles multiple priorities.
• Has a demonstrated commitment to racial, economic, and gender justice.
• Can work some evenings and weekends as needed by members.
• Has a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Lives in South-Central Michigan, preferably the Battle Creek/Kalamazoo area.

The Field Representative is a 30-hour-per-week position. Compensation is based on experience and available resources. This is a grant-funded temporary position. The South-Central Michigan AFL-CIO Area Labor Council offers flexible scheduling, mileage reimbursement, and opportunities for training and development within the labor movement.

How to Apply
Send the following to Austin Brown at president@scmiaflcio.org with the subject line “Field Representative Job Application - [Your Name]”:

• Résumé
• Cover letter (1 page) describing your relevant experience and interest in the role

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.