PGCEA
Prince George’s County Educators’ Association
Political and Community Organizer
Based in Forestville, MD
The Prince George’s County Educators’ Association (PGCEA) represents more than 10,000 certified employees, including classroom teachers, school counselors, speech pathologists, media specialists, and other non-supervisory educators in the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system.
PGCEA is seeking an experienced Political and Community Organizer to lead strategic campaigns and community engagement initiatives that advance quality public education for every student in Prince George’s County. This position plays a central role in organizing, advocacy, and legislative engagement to support public education and union priorities.
The ideal candidate will be a self-directed, strategic leader with a proven track record in campaign planning, coalition building, and grassroots mobilization. They will have deep knowledge of the local political landscape, demonstrated commitment to public education, and the ability to drive projects to completion in a fast-paced environment.
Core Responsibilities
Organizing & Advocacy
- Develop and implement issue-based organizing campaigns to mobilize members, parents, students, and community allies around education issues.
- Ability to lead organizing, advocacy, and community engagement efforts through a racial and social equity lens, ensuring inclusion and fairness in all aspects of the work.
- Build and maintain coalitions with community organizations, leaders, parents, and advocacy groups to advance a shared agenda for quality public education.
- Provide support to building representatives and broader membership in mapping community connections, surveying members, and engaging community leaders and parents.
- Represent PGCEA in external meetings and maintain clear communication with all levels of union leadership under the direction of the Executive Director.
- Support and train building representatives in developing school-based organizing strategies that involve parents and community stakeholders.
- Map school communities, maintain organizing data, and use insights to guide strategy.
- Collaborate with PGCEA members and the local union president to develop community engagement programs that further PGCEA’s quality schools agenda.
Legislative & Political Engagement
- Track and follow legislation; advocate for PGCEA’s positions on relevant bills, including drafting testimony and written communications.
- Promote legislative advocacy among members through internal communications.
- Establish accountability systems to ensure that all campaign goals are met and provide regular campaign assessments and post-election analysis.
- Consult with MSEA staff to maintain compliance with campaign finance and election law.
- Collaborate regularly with PGCEA’s Communications, Organizing, and Membership team to ensure cohesive messaging and strategic alignment.
- Develop and deliver training programs in political action for PGCEA members and staff, with a focus on campaigns, elections, and PAC fundraising.
- Lead member recruitment drives for PAC contributions and advocacy campaigns.
- Support PGCEA committees in candidate recommendation processes.
- Serve as liaison to political parties and external political organizations alongside the President.
- Inform members about policy considerations and election activities consistent with PGCEA priorities.
- Provide research support to PGCEA committees and staff regarding candidate recommendations.
- Build and maintain relationships with legislators, government officials, and their staff.
- Manage Capwiz/Action Network as an online lobbying platform.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience & Knowledge
- 4–6 years of experience in political and community organizing.
- Strong knowledge of current educational issues in the public education system.
- Deep understanding of union organizing practices and coalition-building strategies.
- Familiarity with political data, the latest technologies, and best practices in the field, including VAN.
- Knowledge of the political landscape in Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.
- Experience with the legislative process.
Organizing & Communication Skills
- Proven skill as a community, labor, or political organizer.
- Demonstrated ability to assess and analyze complex political situations and respond strategically.
- Experience developing campaign plans to mobilize parents/members or advance issue campaigns.
- Ability to organize and facilitate public meetings and clearly communicate complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Skilled in using social media and digital tools for outreach and mobilization.
- Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills.
Additional Requirements
- Experience working in coalitions and the public education system.
- Skilled at identifying opportunities for influence and mobilization.
- Fluency in both written and spoken Spanish and English.
- Ability to work well in a team environment, meet deadlines in high-pressure situations, and remain results-focused, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to work long hours, including nights and weekends.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments, make and follow through on a work plan, and remain flexible.
- Willingness to conduct house visits and worksite visits as part of member engagement and organizing efforts.
- Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required.
Competitive salary and benefits:
Starting salary is 75k to 85K based on experience. Excellent benefits include health insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave schedules are provided.
PGCEA is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly believe our organization and our work benefit from the experiences and perspectives of a diverse staff.
To Apply:
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, and salary requirements to:
Yahnae Easton, Executive Director
PGCEA
8008 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747
pgceahelpdesk@pgcea.org
ATTN: Political and Community Organizer
WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at UNIONJOBS.COM.