RWDSU
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

Organizer

Based in Midwest Region, Southeast Region, Tennessee / Mid-South

 

Position: Organizer
Organization: Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)
Status: Full-time
Reports to: National Organizing Director (New York City)
Locations: Midwest Region, Southeast Region, Tennessee / Mid-South

About RWDSU
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents working people across the United States in retail, grocery, food processing, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare and other essential industries. Our work is rooted in the belief that working people deserve dignity, power, and a real voice on the job and that collective action is how we win it. RWDSU organizers and members are on the front lines of today’s labor movement, taking on some of the largest and most powerful corporations in the country. From organizing Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, to winning a union voice for workers at REI and the first ever union contract at Barnes & Noble stores, RWDSU is helping lead a new wave of worker organizing in both traditional and emerging sectors. Those are only some of our recent campaigns, meanwhile we’ve been growing our union density in right to work (for less) states, because we know the power of our union at the bargaining table rests in the power of our union at the lunch table.

Position Summary
Organizers are the backbone of our campaigns, working directly with workers to identify leaders, build strong organizing committees, and run strategic, escalating campaigns that win recognition and strong contracts. RWDSU is seeking Organizers to join our National Organizing Department and help build worker power across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-South regions. This is people-centered work that requires resilience, creativity, and a deep belief in workers’ ability to transform their workplaces and communities. Organizers should expect extensive field work, travel, and some irregular hours, but also real responsibility in shaping campaigns from the ground up.

Core Responsibilities
Organizers will be responsible for the full arc of organizing campaigns and/or components thereof depending on the size and structure of the campaign under the leadership and guidance of Lead Organizers and the National Organizing Director including:

• Building authentic, trusting relationships with workers through deep one-on-one conversations
• Identifying, recruiting, and developing worker leaders and representative organizing committees
• Educating workers about their rights and the power of collective action
• Designing and executing strategic organizing plans with clear goals and benchmarks 
• Supporting workers through NLRB representation (RC) elections and voluntary recognition processes
• Planning and carrying out collective actions, including rallies, pickets, delegations, strikes, and public pressure tactics
• Working closely with research, communications, legal, and political teams on comprehensive ground, new organizing, contract and corporate campaigns
• Maintaining accurate, up-to-date campaign data and reporting regularly on progress using systems designed by team leadership
• Building coalitions with community organizations, labor allies, and supporters to strengthen campaigns in coordination with team, interdepartmental and union leadership

Required Qualifications

• Experience in labor, political, or community organizing or activism
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to listen, communicate, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds
• A commitment to racial, economic, and social justice and to building worker-led movements
• Strong organizational, writing, and time-management skills, with attention to detail
• Positive attitude, cooperative and collaborative team member 
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt in fast-moving campaigns
• Comfort using digital tools such as Outlook, Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and irregular hours as required by campaign needs
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience as a union organizer, representative, or active union member
• Experience running or supporting NLRB elections
• Previous participation in corporate, strategic, or comprehensive campaigns
• Experience planning or leading collective actions such as pickets, rallies, strikes, or civil disobedience actions
• Familiarity with labor law and worker organizing best practices
• Familiarity with Action Builder or Action Network or other data management systems

Why RWDSU / Why Now
This is a pivotal moment for the labor movement and the RWDSU. Workers across the country, especially in retail, logistics, and service industries, are organizing at levels not seen in generations. Corporate consolidation, extreme inequality, future uncertainty, and unsafe working conditions have created both urgency and opportunity for change. RWDSU is meeting this moment with bold campaigns, serious resources, and a commitment to building long-term worker power. As an organizer with RWDSU, you won’t just be supporting individual campaigns, you'll be helping shape the future of the labor movement, standing alongside workers as they take on powerful employers and win lasting change. RWDSU is an organization that has never been afraid to take on the companies that need to be challenged, and do what is right for working people. If you’re looking for organizing work that is challenging, principled, and deeply impactful, RWDSU is the place to do it.

Salary and Benefits
Salary ranges from $60,000 to $80,000, based on experience and regional cost-of-living differentials. This role includes extensive travel and non-traditional work hours. RWDSU offers an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive health care (vision, dental and prescription) and strong retirement benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement
RWDSU is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, and members of historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Please submit a résumé and cover letter to sadatu@rwdsu.org.