RUS-Bargaining & Campaign Specialist

The California Teachers Association is one of California’s largest and most dynamic labor unions. The Bargaining & Campaign Specialist is a field-based position that provides strategic campaign, organizing, bargaining, training, program, and strategic research support to CTA leaders, members, and union staff in TK-14 and charter school settings. In-depth knowledge of strategic campaigns, collective bargaining, school funding, school district budgeting, and organizing in the public education sector; an ability to inspire members, staff, and communities to support the Association's goals; and a deep commitment to the labor movement are paramount.

This position is based in CTA Region 4, and requires the ability to work effectively with staff, elected leaders, and members. Campaign support and other work assignments may require travel throughout Region 4 and to other regions throughout the state and to other CTA events. Additional regional and statewide responsibilities may include assistance in the planning and execution of regional and statewide campaigns, and other programs, projects, and conferences.

A strong background in organizing, campaign strategy, member engagement, and negotiations, including school district financial assessments, using BEN, SSA, and/or other analytical tools, is important. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills with specific expertise in dealing with difficult, high-stakes situations, as well as the ability to be an effective organizer, coach, and trainer are important components. Excellent oral and written communications skills along with competency in using technology will be essential assets in this position.

As part of the Region 4 team, the successful applicant will work with staff and member leaders to drive improvements in working and learning conditions for educators, students, and communities through organizing, collective action, contract campaigns, leadership development, and advocacy carried out through local, regional, and statewide comprehensive strategic campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as an internal staff leader and organizer for collective bargaining, strategic organizing campaigns, and programs and providing inspirational and effective leadership to advance the Union’s objectives and goals in those areas.
• Proactively works with staff and leaders to develop and implement effective high-participation campaigns, including but not limited to contract campaigns.
• Utilizes and promotes a site-based organizing and campaign approach to collective bargaining.
• Provides program support, consultation, coordination, and training to staff, leaders, and members, particularly related to collective bargaining, contract campaigns, district fiscal assessment, and high participation campaigns.
• Develops and conducts, where appropriate, in consultation with the regional staff team, Primary Contact Staff, and leaders, training programs that are consistent with the needs of the chapters and CTA programs.
• Analyzes and interprets district budgets and other information in all TK-12 and higher education settings to advance strategic campaigns.
• Provides expertise and support to leadership and staff on matters relating to member engagement, collective bargaining, CTA training programs and goals.
• Organizing, site visits, and membership recruitment, as assigned.
• Provides staff leadership and support in the development and implementation of bargaining goals and contract campaigns, regional and statewide training, and CTA programs.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director or their designee.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or higher degree preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the critical issues facing unions, public education, and the education profession, especially in California.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in bargaining, organizing, and member engagement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state and other laws/regulations/procedures relating to the collective bargaining process and to school finance.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with members, leaders, professional groups and/or labor organizations, and staff colleagues.
• Ability to analyze information, identify issues and problems, develop strategies and solutions.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in developing and conducting training programs, and in coaching others to develop and deliver training.
• Experience in fast-paced campaign situations, including contract campaigns, strikes and political campaigns.
• Demonstrated support for racial, social, and economic justice; worker's rights; and a well-funded public education system.
• Adaptable and flexible. Able to adjust seamlessly and effectively to changing factors and conditions that impact CTA campaigns, projects and other union programs.
• Experience in organizing and campaigning, with relentless drive to proactively surpass campaign/program goals under pressure and with the tenacity to tackle challenges head-on in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Computer proficiency and the ability to learn and use the Association's software programs necessary to support chapter bargaining, organizing, communications, and training programs.
• Ability to work and travel regularly, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

This position is in a bargaining unit represented by CSO. Salaries are established by a collective bargaining agreement. Step placement is also determined by the CTA/CSO Agreement.