Oregon Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals
AFT Local 5017

Project Organizer
(Political and Community Organizing)

Based in Tigard, OR

 

The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP) AFT Local 5017 represents over 6,000 nurses and health professionals in Oregon and Southwest Washington, most of them employees of Kaiser Permanente, PeaceHealth, with a growing number from the St. Charles system, Legacy Health system, and Mid-Columbia Medical Center. OFNHP is an affiliate of the Nurses and Health Professionals division of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Project Organizer (PO): The Project Organizer will develop and implement a dynamic political and community program that aligns with OFNHP’s strategic priorities and plan. This flexible position will focus on building community and political capacity to advance and support initiatives that elevate OFNHP’s voice, advocate for the needs of our members, enhance the Union’s influence, and strengthen the labor movement. Job duties include conducting in-depth research, supporting current campaigns, analyzing and interpreting contract language that could impact OFNHP members and the Union, and provide basic backfill to cover immediate member organizing needs.

Ideal Candidate: We are seeking a passionate and experienced organizer who is committed to social change and advancing workers’ rights. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in union and community organizing, public policy, and/or civic engagement. They should have the ability to engage and support racially and culturally diverse members and communities, especially within the healthcare industry. Experience in volunteer management, supporting member-led committees, and developing programs that uplift healthcare workers is essential. The candidate must be driven by a desire to expand their expertise and knowledge of the key issues impacting healthcare workers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and Cultivate Strategic Partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with key community allies and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Engage Members in Community Activities: Actively participate in partner events and encourage member involvement to enhance representation and solidarity.
• Community Ally Recruitment: Expand and diversify the union’s network of allies, aligning partners around common goals.
• Collaborative Planning and Goal Setting: Work closely with community allies to co-create strategic plans with clear short- and long-term objectives.
• Facilitate Meetings: Organize and lead coalition meetings with well-structured agendas to drive collaboration and impactful outcomes.
• Provide Regular Reporting: Deliver clear updates on community coalition work and progress to union leadership and membership.
• Collaborate on Organizing Efforts: Partner with union organizers to support campaigns that strengthen the bond between the union, members, and the community.
• Foster Positive Relationships: Build trust and maintain positive, productive relationships with union members and community stakeholders.
• Advise on Growth and Strategy: Offer strategic insights to union leadership to guide organizational growth and direction.
• Maintain Flexibility: Be adaptable in working hours and locations, demonstrating a strong ability to work independently when needed. Job duties may require occasional assignment to emergent member organizing needs.
• Transportation: Ensure reliable transportation to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.
• Develop and Implement Campaign Plans: Create and execute strategic plans for organizing campaigns that align with the union’s mission and goals.
• Member Mobilization: Support member-led committees and delegates, and recruit, train, and empower member activists and volunteers.
• Travel: Be open to travel as required to advance the organization’s strategic goals.

Job descriptions are not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of every activity or
responsibility that is required for each role.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in labor union organizing.
• A growth mindset with a commitment to continuous learning in organizing and coalition-building.
• Experience advocating for racial equity and social & economic justice.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong listening skills, with the ability to facilitate compromise and resolve conflicts.
• Experience planning and leading organizing actions.
• Ability to quickly build trust and meaningful relationships.
• Proficiency in conducting one-on-one conversations.
• Experience in creating agendas, facilitating meetings, and summarizing action steps.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute work plans effectively.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and other essential technology tools.
• Knowledge of political action committee (PAC) laws and regulations.
• Willingness and ability to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel for work assignments.
• Be in possession of a reliable/insured vehicle and valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Established relationships within the labor community.
• Established relationships in Oregon and SW Washington within the political and community arena.
• Experience with database and project management software such as Action Network, Action Builder, Basecamp/Project Management software, and Engage.
• Knowledge of labor law.
• Understanding of healthcare policy and its impact on workers.

Supervision:
The position reports directly to the Chief of Staff or their designee.

Wages & Benefits:
This is a CWA Local 7901 represented position. Competitive salary and benefits including holidays, comp days, and vehicle stipends.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to OFNHPHR@ofnhp.org. Position will remain posted until filled.

Job postings for OFNHP will be consistent with job descriptions outlined in their respective collective bargaining agreements. Candidates will be subject to passing background and reference checks.

Internals To Apply:
If you meet the minimum qualifications and are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter and résumé to OFNHPHR@ofnhp.org. All applications must be received by 5:00 pm on the internal posting deadline in order to be considered prior to external applicants.

OFNHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff who reflect our membership and model the unity and equity that we seek to create in our communities. Women, LGBTQ+, people of color, and immigrants are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, and/or veteran status.