Illinois Federation of Teachers
500 Oakmont Lane
Westmont, Illinois 60559

Field Service Director

Covering the Central Region / Peoria Office, IL

 

As per the Illinois Federation of Teachers By-Laws Article V, I hereby post one (1) full-time professional staff vacancy for a Field Service Director in the Central Region to be initially assigned to the Peoria office. The start date will be on or after April 30, 2026. Job qualifications and duties for this position are listed in the attachments. 

1. application is made by sending a letter and current résumé to the attention of Nicholas L Christen by email to nchristen@ift-aft.org no later than Wednesday, March 25, 2026;
2. interviewees will be selected from the application letters with current résumés received by the deadline and will participate in a zoom screening interview; 
3. in person interviews will be conducted in the IFT Chicago or Westmont Offices;
4. the IFT does not pay the cost of any expense incurred in the interview process, nor any expense incurred in relocation when employment requires a change in residency;
5. employment will begin as per a mutual agreement between the successful applicant and the IFT.

Questions regarding this vacancy should be directed to the attention of Nicholas L Christen, General Counsel & Director of Field and Organizing at nchristen@ift-aft.org

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstration of deep knowledge of and experience with the core activities of labor unions including but not limited to advocacy and representation, collective bargaining, organizing, and mobilizing. 
2. Experience in or deep knowledge of teaching or other school related personnel work at any level of the P-20 spectrum or other public/ government work.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write technical documents with content accuracy and be able to speak and present to audiences of all sizes effectively and persuasively. 
4. Ability in the standard practices of research and resource development especially as related to divisions of government, public sector finance, and the laws and policies that impact public sector unions. 
5. Strong understanding of and commitment to racial and social justice and will advocate for these in the execution of the job.
6. Proficiency in all aspects of standard technology tools including Office products (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet platforms, cloud based computing sites and databases, and social media platforms and tools. 
7. Comfortable and competent while working both independently and collaboratively within a team. 
8. Applicants must expect and be willing to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends, and be prepared to drive long distances on a regular basis. 

MAIN FUNCTIONS
ORGANIZE NEW IFT LOCALS

1. Seek out and identify new locals or potential bargaining units
2. Follow-up leads to new locals or units
3. Speak before groups interested in IFT information
4. Provide interested parties with IFT literature, brochures, etc.
5. Design and initiate specific programs to build support for starting an IFT local
6. Build and develop leadership teams of workers

BUILD MEMBERSHIP IN PRESENT IFT LOCALS

1. Assist in the development of local membership recruitment program
2. Assist locals with regular membership communications
3. Meet on a regular basis with local leaders to help plan activities
4. Train local leaders to be effective in carrying out the local program
5. Meet with groups to explain functions and programs of IFT and AFT

SERVICE LOCALS

1. Aid locals in drawing up and negotiating contracts
2. Aid locals in handling grievances and arbitration
3. Aid locals to know and to execute their rights and responsibilities under collective bargaining law
4. Encourage locals to get involved in AFT and IFT activities and programs
5. Advise and assist locals on defense cases following IFT and AFT procedures
6. Advise and assist locals on legislative and political action programs with the IFT Department of Political Activities
7. Train local leaders in essential leadership functions
8. Report on local activities to the IFT communications department

OTHER SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS IN SUPPORT OF STATEWIDE FEDERATION

1. Work under the daily supervision and direction of the Directors of Field and Organizing
2. Attend IFT meetings and workshops
3. Assist in IFT convention programs
4. Assist in legislative activities
5. Make monthly reports on activities
6. Carry out assignments made by the executive board or President

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Budgeted Salary: $87,132 annually.
• Benefits: This position includes a 100% employer-paid, health, dental and vision plan, a transportation allowance, and a generous 401k contribution. The IFT also provides a competitive package of paid time off and paid holidays.