General Manager

About this position

TRU is a volunteer-driven organization with over 400 dues-paying members. This will be, for now, TRU’s sole staff position. In the recent past, TRU has also had a field director or lead organizer when running major campaigns, and occasionally hires for other temporary positions related to specific projects. The General Manager is responsible for much of the day-to-day running of the organization but must work hand-in-hand with and be accountable to TRU’s membership and elected officers. Location: Seattle, WA

Job Responsibilities

Administration

The General Manager will work with TRU’s General Council, a body of officers elected annually from among the membership that also functions as our board of directors, to:

• Organize and set the agenda for monthly Membership Meetings; attend and give reports at these meetings and at monthly meetings of the General Council.
• Create and review an annual budget, provide all financial information to our bookkeeper, and complete and file TRU’s 990 and other annual forms in a timely manner.
• Oversee fundraising, including membership drives, grant applications, contributions from labor unions, and TRU’s annual fundraiser.
• Maintain TRU’s email lists and send out regular announcements about TRU’s campaigns and projects.
• Hire staff (e.g. field/organizing staff) and/or contractors when appropriate.

Member Engagement

The General Manager will work with TRU’s General Council and members to:

• Implement a process for welcoming, orienting, and engaging new members.
• Support TRU’s member-led committees, workgroups, and projects.
• Hold regular social events for TRU members.
• Engage TRU members in all our campaigns and projects.
• Oversee an annual planning process that engages members in generating ideas for campaigns and projects that TRU could take on in the coming year.

Campaign Coordination and Coalition Building

The General Manager will work with the General Council and members to:

• Coordinate campaigns and projects as decided by the membership: generate viable campaign ideas, develop detailed plans, build coalitions around those plans, coordinate the execution of those plans, lead power-mapping to refine strategies and tactics, etc.
• Maintain and build relationships with diverse allied organizations and work with them in pursuit of shared campaign goals.
• Represent TRU, or identify members to represent TRU, in meetings with elected officials and other decision-makers, and at meetings of standing coalitions we’re part of.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Frequent transit rider!
• Understand the issues facing transit riders, renters, and low-wage workers, with a demonstrated commitment to fighting for economic, racial, and social justice.
• Experience leading grassroots organizing campaigns.
• Experience building and managing multi-organization coalitions.
• Experience with democratic procedure and decision-making.
• Experience with budgeting, grant-writing, and fundraising.
• Dedication and ability to work flexible hours.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, proven ability to work independently, and has excellent time-management skills.
• Possess strong interpersonal, organizational skills, and ability to work well with diverse groups and populations.
• Proficient in computer skills for communication, composition, etc.

Salary and Benefits

Annual salary is $80,000 – $100,000, DOE. Paid monthly. TRU will provide an additional $600/month toward healthcare costs, either as a (taxable) stipend or through an HRA if you want to work with our bookkeeper to set that up.

This is a salaried, overtime exempt position. Benefits include an ORCA pass, 3% IRA match, and unlimited vacation days (4 weeks encouraged).

Application Process

Send résumé and a cover letter to contact@transitriders.org. Your cover letter should include your vision for the future of TRU. Please note the job title in the email subject line.

We will review applications on a rolling basis. This position is open until filled.

Transit Riders Union is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply! ADA accommodations provided upon request.