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

Staff Representative

Based in Springfield, NJ

 

POSITION TITLE: Staff Representative
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 Representative committed to the values of organized labor and public higher education. This position supports Council Locals with contract enforcement, grievance handling, negotiations support, research, training, and member communications. The role carries an active enforcement and bargaining workload and contributes to Council-wide education, publications, and strategic initiatives.

The Staff Representative works under the direction of the Council President and Executive Committee, with general oversight from Council Directors, exercising substantial independence while advancing Council policy, precedent, and AFT-aligned priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Contract Enforcement & Representation

• Advise Locals on contract administration, past practice, and enforcement strategies
• Process grievances and represent members at hearings, arbitrations, and administrative agencies
• Prepare arbitration files, briefs, unfair practice charges, and status reports
• Litigate matters before NJ PERC and other agencies as assigned
• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements; track remedies and compliance
• Maintain standardized systems for case intake, timelines, and records

Negotiations Support

• Support Local and statewide bargaining, including proposal drafting, costing support, and documentation
• Participate in statewide negotiations as assigned
• Assist with ratification and contract implementation communications

Research, Data & OPRA

• Conduct research on contract compliance and employment trends
• Prepare statewide comparison reports and issue-based analyses
• Monitor institutional reporting compliance and pursue remedies when required
• Prepare OPRA requests in coordination with Council leadership

Membership, Organizing & Communications

• Collaborate with Staff Organizer and Local leaders on engagement and organizing campaigns
• Support Local elections and special projects
• Draft articles and updates for Council publications, website, and member communications
• Represent CNJSCL at meetings and events with coalition partners and external stakeholders
• Support strike preparation, training, and campus readiness activities

Training & Education

• Deliver workshops for Local leaders on grievances, promotions, tenure, reappointment, and emerging issues
• Contribute to Council-wide education programs in person, hybrid, and online

Administration & Council Operations

• Maintain organized case files and provide regular reports to leadership
• Participate in Council office operations and special projects
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the Council’s agenda and mission

QUALIFICATIONS
Required:

• Knowledge of collective bargaining, contract enforcement, grievance processing, arbitration, and NJ PERC procedures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting persuasive briefs and correspondence
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in complex, political, and fast-paced environments
• Proficiency with MS Office and related communications tools; ability to analyze research and datasets
• Bachelor’s degree in labor studies or a related field
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout New Jersey
• Demonstrated commitment to organized labor, public higher education, equity, academic freedom, and student access

Preferred:

• Experience representing employees in grievances, arbitrations, or administrative proceedings
• Master’s degree in a related field
• 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.