Connecticut Tenants Union

Staff Organizer

Based in Hartford, CT

 

To Apply:
Submit résumés to: phylicia@cttenantsunion.org.

About the Connecticut Tenants Union
As a member-driven organization of Connecticut’s renters, our tenant union leaders, members, and staff work towards a horizon of safe, stable, affordable, and democratically controlled housing. We are a diverse, equitable, innovative, cooperative union of tenants across the state, committed to confronting the rental housing crisis in Connecticut through community-rooted power. Our governing Tenant Council, like our general membership, represents the identities most acutely impacted by the rental housing crisis. We are a movement of and for the multiracial working class, and we are building power within our buildings, communities, neighborhoods, cities, and state for the sake of a safe, stable, and thriving future within our homes.

Position Description/Overview
Staff Organizers support tenants in forming, building, and sustaining local tenant union chapters that promote collective power, democratic governance, and tenant self-determination. Through deep relationship-building and strategic outreach, Staff Organizers help tenants negotiate and enforce union contracts, develop leadership from within the rank-and-file, and carry out CTTU’s field organizing programs.

Staff Organizers may be assigned to “internal” roles – supporting already organized union members; or “external” roles – working with tenant groups who are in the process of forming their first union.

Staff Organizers are not eligible to hold elected office within the Union in order to preserve the distinction between staff roles and member leadership. They are tasked with implementing the organizing program set by the Tenant Council and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and tenant-led decision-making.

Staff Organizers are expected to model the Union’s core values by fostering inclusive, trust-based relationships; supporting equitable organizing practices; and maintaining a high standard of ethical conduct in their work with members and community partners.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct outreach to assess, identify, recruit, and develop tenants into organizers and leaders using a variety of engagement methods, including one-on-one conversations, phone calls, house visits, off-site visits, organizing meetings, and digital communications.
• Prepare meeting agendas and develop communication materials such as emails, flyers, handouts, and related tools to support organizing efforts.
• Support the development of tenant leaders by facilitating trainings, sharing relevant tools and information, offering constructive feedback, and supporting leaders in meeting clear organizing goals.
• Create and implement daily, weekly, and monthly work plans aligned with assigned campaign goals and organizational objectives.
• Monitor campaign progress and evaluate internal and external factors that impact organizing success, including analyzing power dynamics, member participation, and opposition trends.
• Conduct basic research to gather and organize information related to tenants, landlords, housing policy, and relevant economic or political conditions.
• Educate tenants about tenant union principles and ensure they receive accurate information about their rights under existing housing laws.
• Develop strategies to mobilize members for political campaigns and actions that align with CTTU’s mission to increase tenant power and representation.
• Assist in building coalitions with community organizations, partners, and allies whose missions align with CTTU’s, and coordinate joint projects or campaigns.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:

• Demonstrated alignment with the mission and values of CTTU, including a commitment to working-class empowerment and social justice.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and exercise independent judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.
• Ability to track, manage, and use campaign or organizing data to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, problem-solving, and planning skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening and meeting facilitation.
• Openness to giving and receiving feedback in a constructive and accountable manner.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom) and willingness to learn new digital tools used by the organization.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed to meet organizational goals.
• Willingness to travel and conduct in-person outreach at worksites, community spaces, and individual residences in accordance with CTTU’s safety protocols.
• Access to a reliable vehicle, valid U.S. driver’s license, and proof of insurance for work-related travel.

Preferred qualifications:

• Multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, especially those proficient in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Arabic, or Portuguese.

Working Conditions

• Schedule: 40–50 hours per week, with flexible daily & weekly hours pursuant to Staff Organizer’s active assignment(s) (availability of the tenants they are organizing, timeline of organizing campaigns, etc). Regular schedule may include evenings and/or weekends.
• Travel: regular travel required to/from site(s) of active organizing assignments, union meeting spaces in New Haven and Hartford, and union actions statewide; occasional travel required for out-of-state actions or negotiations at landlord’s offices, and/or for national organizing campaigns. 
• Environment: variable, including: outdoor canvassing in residential complexes and/or neighborhoods; indoor canvassing in residential buildings; on-site meetings in residential buildings; on-site meetings in commercial buildings; meetings in Hartford and/or New Haven offices; outdoor pickets and/or marches; indoor and outdoor press conferences.
• Physical Requirements: This position may involve prolonged periods of movement, including navigating stairs, reaching, bending, and occasionally lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary range for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Full-time employees are eligible for a range of benefits including Unlimited PTO; Family & Medical Leave; Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverages; and retirement options.

Equal Opportunity Statement
A Better Way Foundation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, learning disability, marital status, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, mental disability, race, religious creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. 

A Better Way Foundation complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

A Better Way Foundation expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of A Better Way Foundation employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

This position description was adopted for use by the Connecticut Tenants Union in 2025. Candidates should understand that their employment contract is held by A Better Way Foundation, Inc. ABWF policies supersede and replace any prior understandings or agreements, whether oral, written or implied between candidates and the Connecticut Tenants Union. For additional information about the relationship between the Connecticut Tenants Union and A Better Way Foundation, Inc. candidates should contact ABWF’s Human Resources department.