RUS - C4OB Bargaining Specialist

General Description:
The California Teachers Association is one of California’s largest and most dynamic labor unions. CTA’s Center for Organizing and Bargaining (C4OB) is a field-based department that provides organizing, bargaining, training, and strategic research support to CTA leaders, members, and union staff in PreK-14 and charter school settings. In-depth knowledge of school funding, bargaining, 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 requires the ability to work effectively with staff and members in CTA’s Region II. Although the primary assignment will be in the southern portion of that region, campaign support and other work assignments may require travel throughout Region II and to other regions throughout the state and to other CTA events. Additional regional and statewide responsibilities include assistance in the planning and execution of statewide conferences and other statewide programs, projects, and campaigns.

A strong background in organizing, campaign strategy, member engagement, negotiations (including school district financial assessments, using BEN, SSA, and/or other analytical tools), and organization development is important. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills with specific expertise in dealing with difficult situations, as well as the ability to be an effective trainer and organizer 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 C4OB 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 training, organizing, collective action, bargaining, and advocacy carried out through local and statewide issue campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as an internal staff leader and organizer for collective bargaining and strategic organizing campaigns, providing inspirational and effective leadership to evaluate and advance the Association’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 resources, consultation, coordination, and training to primary contact staff and members, particularly related to the bargaining process, district fiscal assessment, and high participation campaigns.
• Develops and conducts, where appropriate, in consultation with primary contact staff and leaders, training programs that are consistent with the needs of the chapters.
• Analyzes and interprets district budgets in all TK-12 and higher education settings for strategic campaign purposes.
• Provides expertise and support to leadership and staff on all matters relating to member engagement, collective bargaining, CTA training programs and goals.
• Organizing and membership recruitment as assigned.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of bargaining goals, regional and statewide training, and CTA programs.
• Performs other related 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.