OPEIU Local 8

Director of Organizing

Based in Seattle, WA

 

This management-level position reports to the Local 8 Business Manager and elected Executive Board. The Director of Organizing may act on behalf of the elected Business Manager of OPEIU Local 8.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 
This position is responsible for leading internal and external organizing strategies to grow the Union’s membership and build collective power. Key duties include supervising, supporting and developing staff; shaping and coordinating the Union’s communications strategy; and building and sustaining relationships with community allies and coalitions. The role also involves participating on the management team to help shape and implement overall Union policies and strategic direction. 

GENERAL DUTIES INCLUDE: 

• Lead the Union – membership and staff – and develop organizational culture as a member of the leadership team. 
• Identify opportunities to implement the Unions organizational goals of advancing social and economic justice to end racism and all forms of oppression within our local. 
• Supervise, direct, and support the work of Apprentice Organizers/Organizers, Membership Support Representatives, Project Organizers, Interns and other staff as assigned by the Business Manager to carry out their work assignments and achieve goals. 
• Recommend and/or provide corrective action and discipline as necessary to improve staff performance and conduct with the approval of the elected Business Manager. 
• Serve as initial point person for team and other staff as needed for questions/strategy guidance 
• Assist with research. 
• Support negotiating of first contracts and first and large contract campaigns. 
• Advise on ULP filings and responses. 
• Stay informed of and disseminate to staff pertinent legal updates, rulings, and new laws as it impacts our Union work and the work of our members. 
• Review initial draft CBA and LOA/MOU proposals. 
• Cover for short-term staff absences. 

SPECIALIZED DUTIES INCLUDE: 

• Develop and implement strategic organizing plan for Local 8, including goal setting and measuring. 
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth and key pressure points that strengthen the Union’s power. 
• Create and maintain standardized templates related to internal and external organizing, recognition and bargaining unit integrity. 
• Review organizing agreements and other language related to recognition. 
• Develop and sustain relationships with key allies and participate in coalition spaces to advance organizing efforts. 
• Develop and implement strategies to engage and foster leadership at all levels of the organization. 
• Conduct periodic staff training on organizing best practices/new legislation. 
• Work with the leadership team and staff to develop our Union’s communication strategy and coordinate implementation, writing and editing materials as appropriate and ensuring they are maintained. 
• Field organizing leads, conduct organizing committee meetings, worker outreach, create campaign materials and navigate the NLRB & PERC processes for elections, residual petitions, unit clarifications and decertifications. 

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a union organizing environment including significant experience leading and winning external organizing campaigns. 
• Experience supervising staff on external organizing campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, plan effectively, and exercise sound judgement and discretion. 
• Commitment to, and understanding of, the labor movement, social justice, and related issues. 
• Proven experience in strategic campaign planning and implementation resulting in significant membership growth. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to lead teams, collaborate across diverse groups, and work independently. 
• Outstanding verbal, written, and social communication skills. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable, insured vehicle. 
• Ability and willingness to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. 
• Proficiency in a language other than English is highly desirable but not required. 

Compensation for this exempt position includes an annual wage of $142,670 plus an $6,600/year auto allowance, $2,700/year communication allowance, and $2,000/year in other reimbursements, a pension and 401k plan with 10% employer contribution, fully paid family medical, dental, vision coverage. The employer also provides life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pays the employee portion of the WA PFML premium. Employees also receive 7 days of vacation leave for their first year, then fifteen days annually after the first year, a total of 4 personal days and 15 paid holidays each calendar year. Bilingual employees may receive an additional $2.00/hour differential. 

To Apply:
Please send an application letter stating your interest in this position and résumé to OPEIU Local 8 by email to libby@opeiu8.org or by mail: OPEIU Local 8, 2900 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98102.

Position closes on Friday, July 18, 2025.