AFT Maryland

Field Staff Representative

Based in Maryland

 

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) – Maryland is a federation of local affiliate unions representing teachers and public employees throughout the State of Maryland. The AFT-Maryland is seeking highly qualified individuals to provide support and representation to members.

The incumbent will be expected to operate with a high level of independence and a high degree of independent judgement under the general supervision of the President, AFT Maryland and Secretary/Treasurer, AFT Maryland.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
The successful candidate for the position will clearly demonstrate the following attributes:

• A demonstrated passion and commitment to the labor movement.
• Prepare for and conduct collective bargaining, grievance processing and arbitrations.
• Work with, develop and train stewards to represent members.
• The ability to manage relationships both upwards and downwards, as well as throughout the local affiliate organizations.
• Work in partnership with assigned local affiliates to build density and capacity, as well as work on special projects that may be designated.
• Knowledge of union organizing practices and principles, and thorough knowledge of state labor law.
• Evening and weekend work will be involved, and this position may require travel throughout the state and work in other states for various lengths of time.
• A high level of project management skill, and the proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and balance competing priorities.
• A strong working knowledge of database programs and the ability to effectively utilize tracking tools
• Maintains trust and confidence of multiple levels of union leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
The successful candidate for the position will clearly possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Minimum of three (3) years of staff representation experience required
• Driver’s license, vehicle and insurance required
• Strong ability to prioritize, plan, organize, carry out multiple assignments and work effectively under pressure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
The successful candidate will have responsibility for the following:

• Handling all aspects of representation, including grievances, arbitrations, and contribution to contract negotiations.
• Partnership with local leadership to develop and implement plans to increase member participation in workplace problem solving, political action, and mobilization.
• Advising and supporting members and leaders on labor-management relations and workplace issues.
• Maintaining a tracking system for monitoring deadlines, filings, and compliance with labor agreements and applicable laws.
• Conducting research and providing timely analysis on assigned locals.
• Relaying major developments and campaign metrics in a proactive and timely manner.
• Performing other duties as assigned to further the mission of AFT Maryland.
• Plan and lead membership meetings and workshops.
• Identify and maintain contact with stewards and other leaders about worksite issues, assignments, events, turnout, etc.
• Interacting and connecting members with elected officials in an effort to push federal, state and local legislative priorities.
• Working with the organizing department to implement organizing campaigns.
• Supports the local union in building capacity to resolve workplace disputes on the job rather than process problems through grievance procedure. 
• Use professional judgement to develop strategies to effectively resolve workplace issues. Examples of these strategies include filing grievance, labor management committees, arbitration or workplace action.
• Develop and implement collective bargaining proposals for new and successor agreements that address issues of concern to the union’s members.
• Using all available resources, conducts proposal and negotiation research to support bargaining and problem-resolution through labor-management committees and other strategies.
• Prepares for and participates in meetings with the employer or employer representatives on grievances and other problems affecting local union members.
• Prepares and presents grievances in arbitration hearings.
• Provides prompt and appropriate responses, including advice and guidance, with respect to questions and concerns of the local union and membership regarding union-related issues or problems.

AFT Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Category: Professional – Bargaining Unit Position
Position Type: Full Time
Posted Date: October 2025 Position open until filled.
Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience
Benefits: Exceptional benefits package including employer paid medical, dental, vision, etc.

To Apply:
Contact Information: Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé and (3) professional references to HR@aftmd.org.