Training, Education and Leadership Development Coordinator

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 300,000 working Oregonians and acts as a voice for the members of over 400 local unions as well as all workers. The team at the State Federation is a progressive, talented, and hard-working group of social justice advocates poised to continue the fight for a fair and more just economy.

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “YES!” then the Oregon AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are part of the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, and the Oregon AFL-CIO team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the Oregon AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee - you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for an innovative and experienced activist/professional to lead our training and leadership development work, and to support the growth and success of the Oregon labor movement in a variety of ways. By professionalizing the Federation’s approach to training, building new and innovative curriculum, and exploring opportunities for partnerships with affiliated unions and allies, this new position and program will help prepare our movement for the fights and campaigns ahead. The successful candidate will work with leadership, affiliates, and staff to design and implement a comprehensive program to train union activists and new leaders in conjunction with the priorities and goals of the Oregon AFL-CIO. They will also have an opportunity to play a key role in helping to build and shape a bigger, bolder, and more powerful labor movement in the great state of Oregon. We are especially interested in applicants with experience in adult education, curriculum development and developing training materials, union organizing campaigns, community organizing, or political campaigns; and people with a passion for social and economic justice.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Work creatively, cooperatively, and with purpose every day to build a bigger, bolder, and broader labor movement in Oregon.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive education program for Oregon union members to foster solidarity and activism among union members in the state, increase understanding of the forces that shape our environment and provide tools for union members to become more powerful activists and leaders.
• Work with political and legislative departments to develop and deliver political education training for members and staff to support the labor movement’s political and mobilization efforts
• In coordination with leadership, various departments, other staff, and affiliates this position will be on point to develop, implement, and advance:
  • A training program aimed at increasing the understanding of the issues connected to racial and gender justice in our unions and our communities, and provide effective tools and outlets for action.
  • An effort to support and maintain active Chapters of AFL-CIO constituency groups and affinity spaces within the Oregon labor movement, and to find opportunities for collaboration across affiliate-specific affinity groups and caucuses
  • A training approach and program aimed at the Oregon labor movement’s role in fighting back against federal threats and rising authoritarianism, the escalating mass deportation agenda in Oregon, and attacks on our immigrant siblings
  • An effort to strengthen political education training to support increased activism and leadership in the electoral work of the labor movement
  • A collaboration with Climate Jobs Oregon, our partner organization, to design and deliver relevant educational and training materials to help union members and leaders better understand the impacts of climate change on our jobs and communities, and to increase support for the intersections of pro-union jobs and pro-climate strategies
• Engage with affiliate staff to develop and support their goals, strategies, and tactics through training and education support
• Coordinate with Oregon AFL-CIO and affiliate leadership and key staff to develop and maintain strong relationships and programmatic buy-in
• Build effective coalitions with other unions and organizations to achieve programmatic goals
• Represent the Oregon AFL-CIO and broader labor movement with key allies and partners at various tables and in coalition spaces
• Work with Oregon AFL-CIO team and affiliates to accomplish organizational priorities beyond training and education needs (including all organizational events, and supporting biennial Convention planning and program)
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Ability, passion, leadership and creativity to create and drive a training, education, and leadership development program rooted in the values of Oregon’s labor movement with the support of others on staff
• Desire and skills to build relationships with union staff and individual union members to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of a training, education, and leadership development program
• Share vision of building a bigger, broader, bolder, and more inclusive labor movement
• Preference for a candidate with at least three years of demonstrated experience designing and implementing union-focused and/or popular education programs, including direct training and train the trainer approaches
• Knowledgeable about historical, current, and evolving adult education strategies within the labor movement and progressive community
• A commitment to economic and social justice for all Oregon workers and their families, especially those in historically marginalized communities
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to distill complex information and draft well-written documents and presentations for a variety of audiences
• Ability and experience working independently on both short-term and long-term projects
• Demonstrated ability and experience working collaboratively in team settings, working well under pressure, and managing multiple priorities and projects effectively
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience working in a coordinating and/or convening role with multiple stakeholders in a training setting, union organizing, and/or political campaigns, including union staff/members, and community members
• Proven experience in building relationships with labor leaders, community leaders, and worker advocacy stakeholders
• Ability to manage relationships in complex political and sensitive organizational situations
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships
• High level of individual motivation, time management, and organizational skills
• Experience as a lead staff member
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
• Possess a commitment to progressive social change and winning for workers
• Familiarity with union structures and organizations
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive work environment and culture
• While we strive to maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance, the position may require long and extended hours and some travel as needed.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)/multilingual aptitude preferable but not required

This statewide position is full-time, salaried, and is subject to irregular work hours - including late nights, weekends, and holidays - based on organizational needs.

The Oregon AFL-CIO is an equal-opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and people of color candidates, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ folks, people with multilingual skills, disabled folks, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Even if you think you do not meet all of the qualifications listed above, you are still strongly encouraged to apply.

Comprehensive fully paid family healthcare, generous holiday and vacation policies, and a 15% employer-paid defined contribution 401K retirement benefit.

English required. Dual or multi-lingual applicants desired but not required.