LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINER

General description of position

This position is responsible for crafting and executing a strong leadership development program for Local 509 staff, elected leaders, stewards, and other members. This position plays a key role in expanding the capacity of the union to build strong worker organization at every worksite. The staff and member development program teaches the skills to build a high participation union with respect to:

1. 1. organizing methods
   2. contract enforcement
   3. bargaining and negotiations
   4. political education

Example of duties

• Improve upon the existing curricula and system of steward trainings
• Plan and implement a “Leadership Academy” for members who are committed to taking a larger role in building the strength of their union
• Support and guide staff in developing the leadership of members in their respective areas; this would involve train-the-trainer offerings for staff and member leaders, or accompanying staff & member leaders to worksites to co-facilitate workshops
• Identify and/or provide other opportunities for staff development; particular needs include:
  • an onboarding program for new staff
  • bargaining and negotiation support for newer staff
• Improve upon existing workshops for officers on chapter boards and the Joint Executive Board
• Provide/coordinate workshops on demand
• Serve as point for planning the Local’s annual stewards assembly
• Observe and/or offer support in the field re: grievances, representation, bargaining, and organizing for the purposes of staying up-to-date and have context-specific knowledge for training and staff/member development purposes

Required

• A demonstrated record as a community or labor organizer in building power among members/workers (e.g., structure-based organizing);
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in staff and/or member development OR internal organizing, including organizing methods, contract enforcement, and bargaining and negotiations;
• Computer proficiency and an ability to learn new technologies.

Preferred

• Experience in leading and developing the capacity of staff organizers;
• Background in popular education, political education, and/or other interactive pedagogies preferred;
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or other languages, such as Portuguese or Haitian Creole.

The Ideal Candidate

There are many qualities that make up an ideal candidate. You might be a perfect fit for this role if this describes you:

• Committed to the labor movement, progressive social change, and building rank-and-file power;
• Able to work effectively with limited guidance, both independently and as part of a team;
• Able to receive and offer feedback;
• Able to accurately assess priorities and balance the progress of multiple short and long-term projects;
• Excellent written and oral communication/interpersonal skills;
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills;
• Highly organized and efficient, with a meticulous attention to detail.

Supervision

You will report to the Field Director. As a trainer, you will not directly supervise other staff, but you will provide close mentorship and guidance. This may involve training, delegating, offering critical feedback, and leading special projects. You may supervise paid member organizers or interns.

Working Conditions

This job is based in our Marlborough, MA office, but may work remotely as appropriate. Frequent travel within Massachusetts and occasional out-of-state travel is required. Working long hours, evenings, and weekends is often necessary; the baseline expectation is to work 37.5 hours across 5 days each week.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Standing while attending various indoor and outdoor events, sometimes for a full working day, even in potentially uncomfortable (but not unsafe) weather.