NJEA announces a vacancy for a temporary field representative in the Membership unit of the Business Division. This temporary position will be through March 1, 2024.
COVID-19 Considerations: NJEA has developed a detailed set of safety protocols in connection with the return to in-person employment, including that all new hires must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated or willing to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated including up-to-date with boosters prior to the start of employment.
Job Summary
Individuals holding this position report directly to the management employee assigned to their division/department. The purpose of the position is to develop, plan and implement a variety of programs which grow and maintain membership; develop and support affiliate leaders; and build and maintain strong, effective affiliates. Additionally, individuals holding the position will provide training and organizing assistance to UniServ field staff, leaders and affiliates.
Essential Functions
1. Develop and implement membership, leadership, and organizing programs;
2. Write grants to secure funding for assigned programs;
3. Serve as staff liaison with NEA on projects within the purview of the position;
4. Oversee program budgets;
5. Work with allied organizations in the development of resources related to membership, leadership, and organizing programs;
6. Provide assistance in the field during crisis situations and statewide campaigns, as needed;
7. Develop, review, and update training modules to support the implementation of programs;
8. Develop, produce, and distribute materials to support programs;
9. Write articles and information for dissemination to affiliates, members, and/or the public;
10. Assist with the production and updating of videos and web-based programs related to issues under the purview of the position;
11. Inform and train NJEA staff on issues under the purview of the position;
12. Train leaders and members;
13. Plan and coordinate advocacy conferences and events conducted by the division and under the purview of the position;
14. Serve as staff contact to NJEA committees, as assigned;
15. Responsible for the promotion of assigned programs at NJEA Convention and other statewide events;
16. Train and/or assign part-time NJEA consultants, as appropriate;
17. Assist staff from other divisions, taskforces, and committees with the development of resources, reports, projects, and/or legislation that support NJEA’s mission;
18. Perform primary assignments which may include one or more of the following:
a. Create, maintain, and update data related to assigned areas of responsibility, e.g., efforts to privatize school employees, implementation and funding of PRIDE, funding of advocacy training events, and organizing activities;
b. Design and coordinate vigorous membership campaigns;
c. Organize Student NJEA chapters at state colleges and universities;
d. Maintain and enhance Student NJEA program;
e. Provide assistance to UniServ field staff and affiliates in the development and implementation of organizing activities to repel vouchers, privatization, and other anti-labor, anti-union efforts;
f. Develop, review, and update programs which build coalitions with allied groups;
g. Develop, review, and update programs designed to enhance affiliate relations with residents of the state;
h. Develop, review, and update programs designed to organize, maintain, and generate membership growth;
i. Develop, review, and update programs designed to protect, enhance, and maintain collective bargaining;
j. Develop, review, and update leadership and advocacy training packages;
k. Train staff to deal with the unique challenges confronting ESP, inclusive affiliates, large urban affiliates, employees of public charter schools, etc.;
l. Consult with staff assigned to the Government Relations Division regarding political and legislative activities related to assigned issues.
19. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
1. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
2. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel software and the development of Power Point presentations, or equivalent.
3. General knowledge of collective bargaining law.
4. General knowledge of statutes and regulations governing New Jersey schools.
5. Employment experience in public schools or colleges or other comparable experience.
6. Personal experience and background in organizing and administering employee organization activities which demonstrate a high degree of intelligence, integrity, imagination, and leadership.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
8. Ability to transfer complex ideas into simple, direct language giving close attention to detail, form, and substance.
9. General understanding of accounting and the ability to manage a program budget.
10. Must be able to work long hours, drive to locations throughout New Jersey, and occasionally travel out-of-state, as needed.
11. Physical stamina to withstand extraordinary demands of crises and issue organizing.
12. Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Apply
The deadline to send letter of interest and résumé via email at jvalente@njea.org is Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Completed applications are due by Oct. 11, 2023. An application will be forwarded for completion based upon review of the submitted résumé.
NJEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of any kind. All aspects of employment decisions including but not limited to the application process, the decision to hire, promote, discipline or discharge without regards to race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or breastfeeding, sex, gender identity or expression, disability or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, or because of the liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States or the nationality of any individual.