Ext Organizer

United Farm Workers of America•Madera, CA

About The Position

The External Organizer I performs duties assigned by the Organizing Coordinator and supports UFW membership growth. The role assists in managing worker activities in the collective bargaining process and helps develop operational plans that address organizational needs and political and union-organizing objectives. The position supports planning and administration, membership mobilization, contract development, and relationship-building. It assists with developing plans alongside the Organizer Coordinator and Regional Manager, maintaining company databases, building worker structures and majority support, training volunteers and worker leaders, identifying worker issues, and carrying out recognition and election efforts. The role also supports negotiation preparation, bargaining-power initiatives, and first-contract strategies. The External Organizer I develops and maintains relationships with company management, organizing and negotiating committees, crew representatives, members, and religious, political, and community leaders. Media inquiries are referred to the Regional Manager. The role may supervise and direct activists and volunteers as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of experience organizing, building committees, and identifying and developing leadership.
Ability to learn the MOR planning process and use effective training methods for members and workers.
Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.
Familiarity with the history and mission of the UFW and willingness to make a long-term commitment.
Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Bilingual ability in Spanish and English.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
Ability to solve practical problems in situations with limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Valid Class C driver's license.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, email, and the internet.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequently lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assist the Organizer Coordinator and Regional Manager in developing operational plans.
Learn and participate in MOR meetings and help maintain databases for assigned companies.
Assist in developing and maintaining a complete, functioning worker structure and building majority support in assigned companies.
Assist in directing and participating in volunteer development and training.
Implement programs designed to attract worker participation.
Learn to train worker leadership to develop agendas and conduct meetings.
Identify and leverage worker issues, using state and federal agencies as appropriate.
Learn to conduct NLRB/ALRB elections, card-check recognition, and third-party recognition elections.
Assist with developing plans with negotiating committees to prepare for negotiations.
Assist in developing industry and area councils to increase bargaining power.
Assist in using innovative strategies to secure the first contract.
Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with management at assigned companies.
Develop and maintain relationships with organizing committees, negotiating committees, crew representatives, and membership.
Refer media inquiries to the Regional Manager.
Develop and maintain relationships with religious, political, and community leaders.
Supervise and direct activists and volunteers as may be required.