Boston Teachers Union

Strategic Researcher

Based in Boston, MA

 

POSITION: Strategic Researcher
EMPLOYER: Boston Teachers Union, 180 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, MA 02125
REPORTS TO: Director of Organizing 

Our Organization
The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) proudly represents more than 10,000 active and retired teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents and education professionals throughout the Boston Public Schools. We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people. We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.

Your Role
The BTU Organizing Team’s mission statement is to “bring people together – educators, students, and families – to fight for the schools we all deserve.” As a member of the BTU’s Organizing Team, the Strategic Researcher strengthens the work of our union by helping develop strategic, data-informed campaign plans. The Strategic Researcher works together with BTU staff, BTU members, and coalition allies, to gather data from relevant sources and publish research findings in compelling ways that help to mobilize members and allies. 

Principal Duties:

• Assist Director of Organizing in researching, developing, and implementing strategic campaigns, including contract and issue campaigns
• Monitor and maintain data that is relevant for bargaining, organizing and tracking member data
• Work directly with BTU staff, BTU members and coalition allies to engage them in gathering data, completing research, and developing strategic campaign plans
• Analyze data from internal and external sources to assist in developing strategic contract campaigns and other priority campaigns 
• Work with BTU staff to craft messages for internal and external audiences that convey research findings and help mobilize members and allies
• Plan, research, write, and edit quality research products including reports, presentations, field reports, internal memos, issue briefs, fact sheets, talking points, and other educational and advocacy materials
• Communicate regularly and develop relationships with appropriate Boston Public Schools personnel (HR, Labor Relations, Data, etc.)
• Develop and maintain positive relationship with database vendor to ensure our membership database accurately reflects the data we are gathering and to ensure database functionality supports the union’s organizing work
• Collect and analyze data related to budgets, compensation, economic and demographic surveys, reports and databases, employer staffing and financial reports, contracts, corporate structures and relationships, and labor agreements
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience:    

• Demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills as well as familiarity with public and private data sources
• Competency with software applications, including the ability to create graphs, presentations and reports
• Comprehensive communication skills for oral, written, and visual presentations
• Knowledge of current educational issues, union structures, and general methods of operation
• Experience collecting and analyzing data related to budgets, compensation, economic and demographic surveys, reports and databases, employer staffing and financial reports, contracts, corporate structures and relationships, and/or labor agreements
• Experience in developing campaign plans to mobilize members or run issue campaigns
• Ability to accept constructive criticism from individuals and groups, both within and outside of the bargaining unit
• Understanding of the principles of union organizing, coalition building, and the public education system
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• The ability to make and follow through on a work plan
• Willingness to conduct worksite visits
• Familiarity with digital media tools, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace
• 2 – 5(+) years labor research experience preferred
• Proficiency in Spanish or other languages a plus 
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle preferred

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Eye Care plan
• Retirement plan
• Vacation/Sick Leave/Personal Time
• Car allowance

Schedule:
Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed and be willing and able to travel

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education level, in accordance with collective bargaining agreement. Salary range from $75,000 – $100,000+

Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to apply by September 26

The Boston Teachers Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and résume to bcanelo@btu.org. The cover letter should include responses to the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this job? 
• Why do you think you're a strong candidate? 
• What is something you're excited about doing as a BTU Strategic Researcher?