POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
REGIONAL DIRECTOR

AFSCME Illinois Council 31 is seeking an experienced, highly skilled and dedicated trade unionist to serve as Regional Director based in the Chicago area. The Regional Director  helps to develop the union’s overall strategic direction, participates in developing goals and strategy for local unions in his/her region, maintains relationships with elected officials, other unions, and community groups, oversees union political action programs, and provides hands-on oversight of first contract campaigns, strikes, and other major union battles in the area.  The Regional Director supervises 5-8 field staff (Staff Representatives) who are responsible for the overall development of local unions assigned to them, including member education and mobilization, contract negotiations, membership communications, and arbitration of grievances.  The Regional Director reports directly to the Council 31 Executive Director.

Description of Duties:

• Provide guidance and supervision to staff representatives in implementing the union’s goals and objectives.
• Assist in the development of strategic plans for local unions.
• Participate in the development and delivery of education and training programs for staff, local leadership and activists
• Evaluate local union structure and programs to help ensure that locals are progressing in meeting union’s goals.
• Participate as member of Council 31 Senior Staff in the development and implementation of overall union policy and programs.
• Guide and assist staff in critical negotiations, strikes or other challenging situations
• Prepare and submit regular reports on progress in meeting goals
• Serve as liaison to elected officials, other labor unions, and community groups in the area
• Serve as lead spokesperson and/or liaison for key standing committees, labor-management meetings and other forums.
• Identify and help coordinate opportunities for external organizing in the region.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Extensive experience as a union field staff (e.g. staff representative, business agent, etc.)
• Experience in supervising and directing work of others
• Experience in union organizing campaigns.
• Strong speaking and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale campaign-type endeavors (e.g. organizing drive, first contract fight)
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to build teams and work effectively in a team environment in both a lead and support role.
• Ability to work independently within the context of a plan
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and high-pressure environments
• Ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships
• Effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks
• Excellent skills in negotiating collective bargaining agreements
• Good computer skills

Competitive salary and benefits.  Candidates should submit résumé and cover letter to Minnie Perez at mperez@afscme31.org.

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