Graduate Employees’ Organization
AFT Local 3550

Field Organizer

Based in Ann Arbor, MI

 

The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO, Local 3550 AFL-CIO) is seeking a part-time (max 20 hours/per week) Field Organizer with employment beginning in or around November 2025. This is an in-person role in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the expectation of in-office/on site work most days of the week.

Job Description
The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) is the labor union representing Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) and Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSAs) at the University of Michigan. GEO’s mission is to represent, advocate for, and organize graduate student workers and to build collective power in the pursuit of social & economic justice. GEO is an activist, democratic and volunteer-run organization where graduate employees come together to improve working conditions. The Field Organizer’s duties include, but are not limited to, working with members, leadership and other staff members to accomplish the goals of the union.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and carry out targeted outreach to members and workers at large in the form of tabling, doorknocking, emailing, flyering, and other forms of direct outreach
• Assist officers in identifying, recruiting, and developing leaders to successfully implement the mission, goals and work of the union
• Help develop member skills, strategies, and tactics necessary to execute organizing plans
• Lead coalition-building efforts with other unions, student, and patient community groups to support local campaign goals
• Work to foster democracy within the union 
• Maintain an accurate list of member organizers in assigned turf and follow up regularly to maintain membership engagement Attend union meetings, events, orientations and actions as planned

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of experience field organizing and/or advancing campaigns with clear goals (knocking on doors, house visits, emails, office visits, etc.)
• Ability to prioritize work; evaluate and solve problems; work independently and as a team; be reliable in completing work and meeting deadlines
• A demonstrated commitment to union democracy and supporting and developing members’ voices and leadership in their union
• Strong people skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to manage lists, charts, and databases
• Ability to work irregular hours as planned (evenings and some weekends are required)

Compensation:
The salary for this position is based on a Full Time Salary of $55,000 which would be equal to $27,500 for a part time employee (0.5 FTE) plus benefits. This position is being contracted on a short term part time basis for one year. Whether employment will continue beyond one year will be decided by management and disclosed to the employee 90 days prior to the end of their contract. Benefits will be consistent with the current staff contract and any changes made to the staff contract during the employee’s contracted employment. This position is a union represented position, represented by TNG-CWA Local 34022.

How to Apply: 
Please apply HERE. We will begin reviewing applications immediately on a rolling basis and interviewing applicants until October 29th. Please email any questions to: umgeo@geo3550.org.