Job Posting: Field & Community Engagement Coordinator

The Western Connecticut Area Labor Federation is hiring a Field & Community Engagement Coordinator

THE ORGANIZATION:

The Western Connecticut Area Labor Federation (WCTALF) is chartered by the National AFL-CIO and is a coalition of Unions throughout western Connecticut, including Waterbury, Torrington, the Naugatuck River Valley, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and Danbury.  The WCTALF works to stimulate and coordinate communications and mobilization activity area-wide among affiliates and allies, through a network of community-based Chapters.  We focus on supporting the legislative, political, organizing, and solidarity goals of the labor movement locally, statewide, and nationally.  We are led by an elected President, and are governed by an elected Executive Board.

JOB DUTIES:

• Implement the organizing, political, and legislative programming priorities of the WCTALF aimed at increasing power for working people and the labor movement. Coordinate with State AFL-CIO and National AFL-CIO regarding such programing.
• Coordinate WCTALF organizational events and assist the Chapters to implement programming as directed by the WCTALF Executive Board.
• Attend municipal Alder/Council/Board meetings in affiliate districts regularly, as directed by WCTALF leadership.
• Assist the WCTALF Board to conduct an annual strategic planning process as well as periodic events & gatherings to gather feedback on programming and generate buy-in.
• Grow participation in and leadership development among the Board, its committees, and on the delegate body of the WCTALF; help to ensure diverse representation on WCTALF leadership bodies that is representative of the broader labor community.
• Grow union local and member engagement in WCTALF programs, activities and priorities through grassroots organizing and member engagement, including developing and coordinating educational and leadership training programs, strategic legislative and issue campaigns, and strike support actions.
• Build a strong labor political program that mobilizes union members to run for office, to elect officials who will advance a pro-working family agenda, and to hold politicians accountable once in office—this will include using Labor Action Network (LAN) to organize phone banks and Labor to Labor canvassing efforts.
• Strengthen unity among western Connecticut Unions across industry and across sector by creating opportunities for local leaders and activists to build relationships and learn about and support each other’s campaigns.
• Strengthen union/community partnerships and develop programs aimed at relationship building in the community.
• Build strategic support for local union organizing.
• Ensure effective internal and external communications, including media and publications of the organization, in conjunction with Board members.
• Build and maintain lists of: Volunteers, Delegates, Financial Officers of Affiliates, ALF Committees and Participants, Community Labor partnerships and coalitions
• Help build an active volunteer base and communication network through social media and outreach activities.
• Compose weekly progress reports for the Executive Board. Present a monthly progress report at the WCTALF Executive Board meeting.
• Take, type, and present minutes for Chapter and Executive Board Meetings.
• Grow affiliation with the organization, including maintaining participation of existing affiliates and reaching out to new potential affiliates.
• Actively seek out ways of adding value to local and statewide union campaigns and priorities by actively involving affiliates, leaders, and members of other locals

NECESSARY SKILLS:

The Coordinator must have a commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor’s goals. The Coordinator must be able to advance projects and programs that convey these goals by working with a diverse range of union leaders, members, and community activists in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines.  The Coordinator must direct the activities of a large organization while following the priorities and work plan set by elected leaders, working independently and demonstrating sound political judgement. 

Excellent verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to interact successfully with individuals from widely diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds.  Required written communication skills include the ability to produce newsletters, press releases, leaflets, basic phone and walk scripts, work plans, and various reports. 

Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of Microsoft Office Suite and web-based organizing tools such as Action Network, LAN/VAN, and social media platforms.

LOCATION OF POSITION:

The daily workplace of the Coordinator will vary based upon the need of the organization. The base of operations for the Coordinator will be the State of Connecticut AFL-CIO office located in Rocky Hill or the WCTALF office in New Haven. The Coordinator must have a valid driver’s license, continuous use of a safe and personally owned working vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and be willing to travel throughout the organization’s jurisdiction on a regular basis. Travel to other parts of Connecticut and/or out-of-state may be necessary.  Overnight travel will be infrequent, but may be required.  Due to the nature of the Field Coordinator’s job, evening and weekend hours will be required.  The coordinator is expected to flex their daily or weekly schedule to meet the organization’s needs.

OTHER EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED INCLUDE:

• Work mobilizing groups and individuals;
• Ability to support strategic planning;
• Organizing events;
• Recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers;
• Group speaking and one-on-one communication abilities;
• Research skills;
• Hands-on political, issue, community and/or Union organizing campaign experience;
• Grassroots legislative campaign and/or lobbying experience;
• Highly adaptive to changing work needs and ability to work in high pressure environments;
• Physical ability to lift moderately heavy objects, and to stand, sit, and drive for extended periods;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically;
• Effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks;
• Demonstrated experience in developing campaign and personal work plans and goals;
• Willingness to sign and honor an agreement protecting the integrity of union and partner data.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Work with union leaders and members in political campaigns
• Bilingual speaking
• Fundraising and Grant writing
• Desktop publishing

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINE:

By June 15, 2020, complete and submit: 1) Cover letter 2) Resume; 3) Two samples of written work projects you personally completed; and 4) any other relevant materials you wish to be considered.  Please email all materials to: ​ info@westernctalf.org

DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The WCTALF is an equal opportunity employer that actively seeks to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members.  Women, people of color, LGBTQ, Veteran, and disabled individuals are fully respected and encouraged in this position and in all opportunities with the organization.