Council of New Jersey State College Locals
AFT/AFL-CIO
 

Staff Organizer

Based in Springfield, NJ

 

POSITION TITLE: Staff Organizer
LOCATION: Council of New Jersey State College Locals (CNJSCL) – Springfield, NJ (hybrid; significant in-state travel required)
STATUS: Full-time
SALARY: $77,703 – $106,407 (commensurate with experience)
BENEFITS: The Council offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical health benefits, healthcare reimbursement funds, employer funded SEP-IRA contributions, vacation, sick, tuition reimbursement, and employer paid family medical leave.

ABOUT CNJSCL
The Council of New Jersey State College Locals (CNJSCL) is the exclusive bargaining agent for more than 10,000 faculty, adjunct faculty, librarians, non-tenure-track faculty, and professional staff across New Jersey’s seven State Universities and two State Colleges. An affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the AFL-CIO, CNJSCL advances the collective voice of higher education workers through contract negotiations, enforcement, legislative advocacy, and organizing in defense of quality, accessible public higher education.

POSITION SUMMARY
CNJSCL seeks a Staff Organizer committed to the values of organized labor and public higher education. This position strengthens and expands the capacity of Council Locals by developing member leaders, building durable workplace structures, coordinating contract, legislative, and issue-based campaigns, and mobilizing members around Council priorities.

The Staff Organizer works under the direction of the Council President and Executive Committee, with general oversight from Council Directors, and collaborates closely with Staff Representatives, the Communications team, and Local leadership. The role emphasizes leadership development, new organizing, and campaign execution while supporting Council-wide education, communications, and member engagement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership Development & Membership Engagement

• Identify, recruit, and mentor member leaders to organize coworkers and address workplace issues
• Build and sustain effective workplace and campus-based organizing structures
• Train and support representative Local leadership teams and member-led committees
• Plan and facilitate trainings, rallies, teach-ins, and campus actions

Recruitment & Member Turnout

• Conduct regular worksite visits and one-on-one conversations to build relationships and recruit members
• Engage members in Council campaigns, political action, and contract campaigns
• Maintain accurate membership data and track recruitment and participation metrics
• Coordinate with the Communications team on outreach and messaging

Campaigns & Member Mobilization

• Develop and implement campaign plans with union officers and member leaders
• Support contract campaigns, rallies, demonstrations, and strike preparation and execution
• Participate in legislative and electoral campaigns, including lobbying, phone banking, canvassing, and COPE activities
• Identify and lead issue-based campaigns that strengthen workplace power and public higher education

New Organizing

• Identify and develop opportunities for new organizing within the Council’s jurisdiction
• Build organizing committees and execute campaign plans with measurable growth objectives
• Conduct research, workplace mapping, and power analysis to inform strategy

Training & Education

• Facilitate workshops on organizing fundamentals, power analysis, communication, and strategic campaigns
• Contribute to Council-wide education programs in person, hybrid, and online

Communications, Reporting & Administration

• Communicate regularly with Council staff, leadership, Local officers, and members
• Draft campaign updates, reports, and articles for Council publications and digital platforms
• Maintain organized records, work plans, and activity reports
• Participate in Council operations, staff meetings, and planning sessions
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the Council’s agenda and mission

QUALIFICATIONS
Required:

• Demonstrated experience in union, community, or political organizing
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including public speaking and training facilitation
• Ability to build relationships and motivate members across diverse workplaces and identities
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency with digital organizing and communications tools
• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout New Jersey, including some evenings and weekends
• Demonstrated commitment to organized labor, public higher education, student access and equity, and academic freedom

Preferred:

• Experience organizing in higher education or public sector settings
• Knowledge of collective bargaining, contract campaigns, and labor relations
• Background in labor, education, or politics

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing qualifications, relevant experience, and interest in the position
• Résumé
• Three professional references

Send materials to: jobs@cnjscl.org.

Application screening begins February 20, 2026, and continues until the position is filled.

CNJSCL is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others historically underrepresented in higher education and the labor movement.