Richmond Education Association

Labor & Community Organizer, Full-Time Position

Posted: November 17, 2023

The Richmond Education Association (REA) is a union of education workers in Richmond, Virginia. Since 1971, the REA has been organizing to defend and transform public education. As one big union, we work to represent the collective interests of Richmond Public Schools (RPS) employees who are licensed personnel, Instructional Assistants (IAs), School Nutrition Services (SNS), Care and Safety Associates (SNS), Office Associates (OAs), and Central Office Staff. In 2021, the REA became the first public education union to win back collective bargaining rights in Virginia after a repeal of a nearly 50 year ban on public sector collective bargaining. The REA is a local union affiliated with the Virginia Education Association (VEA) and National Education Association (NEA).

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Labor & Community Organizer will work closely with the REA president, leadership team, and board of directors to assist in building relationships with parent and community groups and assist with organizing training and listening sessions with both workers and community groups. 

At the school level, the organizer will assist union reps in mapping buildings, holding meetings to recruit members, and assisting reps with organizing their buildings for contract enforcement. The organizer will also connect with community groups and parent groups to build relationships and organize listening sessions to discuss school and community issues.

Responsibilities for Community Coalition Building:

• Hold one-on-one organizing conversations to identify community members and parents  for the NEA Insitutute for Community Schools team
•  Organize and facilitate listening or feedback sessions with parents and community groups around a shared program for the schools Richmond students deserve
• Maintain two way communication with community members and parents involved in the coalition 

Responsibilities for Building Workplace Democracy and Member Recruitment:

• Train and support new REA reps in organizing their school sites
• Assist in facilitation and agenda creation for new REA reps for REA meetings at their school site
• Conduct one-on-ones with REA reps and other members to increase engagement, participation, and democratic practices of the union
• Maintain maps and data to track membership engagement and growth
• Provide regular updates and reports on progress and issues to REA leadership and REA Board

Minimum Qualifications:

• Commitment to the struggle for racial, social, and economic justice for all people
• Experience conducting one-on-one organizing conversations
• Mastery of Google suite and Google drive system
• Experience creating agendas, facilitating meetings, and synthesizing next steps
• Ability to build trusting relationships with workers and community members
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Access to a car and a valid driver’s license
• Ability to time manage multiple tasks and projects
• Self starter and the ability to work independently 
• Ability to maintain spreadsheets and contact lists

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 2-3 years of organizing experience, in either labor unions or community organizing
• Minimum 3 years work experience in Virginia public schools, preferably Richmond Public Schools and prior or current REA membership
• Knowledge and familiarity of the Richmond Public Schools community
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Pass a criminal background check once hired

Compensation:

1 year, grant funded position with the possibility of renewal

$50,000-65,000 salary with benefits.

The organizer reports to the REA president or their designee.

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to: reaorganizing23@gmail.com