ORGANIZING DIRECTOR VACANCY NOTICE

The Delaware State Education Association (“DSEA”) is a public sector labor union representing over 13,000 professional educators – teachers and SISPs (specialized instructional support personnel – and ESPs (education support professionals) in all 19 public school districts, 3 public charter schools and the State Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.  DSEA also represents nurses working in the State of Delaware Public Health Clinics and at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill.  DSEA is the largest labor union – public or private sector – in the State.  DSEA advocates for the humane and professional rights of its members and promotes excellence in education for the children and youth of Delaware.

DSEA is seeking applicants for two positions of Organizing Director.  One position will be located out of DSEA Headquarters in Dover and will work primarily with DSEA local associations, members and staff in Kent and Sussex Counties; the other position will be located out of the DSEA Newark Office and will work primarily with DSEA local associations, members and staff in New Castle County.  Applicants should indicate which position(s) they are applying for – Dover Office; Newark Office or both.

The Organizing Director has primary responsibility for membership growth (recruitment and retention) and membership engagement in their assigned area.  The Organizing Director is responsible for campaign planning and implementation in areas such as internal organizing including but not limited to targeted locals, new unit organizing, issue organizing, and membership recruitment and engagement – including new hires, early career educators, and educators from marginalized groups.  The Organizing Director may also be called upon to perform other duties and functions similar to UniServ Directors on an as-needed basis to support the vision, mission and goals of the DSEA.

Responsibilities:

Primary job duties include, but are not limited to, partnering with UniServ and Program Staff to provide the following:

• Direct support to DSEA and its affiliates in the planning and implementation of organizing programs, including, but not limited to: internal organizing including but not limited to targeted locals, new unit organizing, issue organizing, and membership recruitment and engagement – encompassing new hires, early career educators, and educators from marginalized groups.
• Develop plans for and provide direct support to DSEA and its affiliates in building community relationships and coalitions to support the vision, mission and strategic goals of DSEA and its affiliates.
• Develop plans for and provide direct support to DSEA and its affiliates in association/building representative training, local organizing program development, political action/legislative initiatives, and any other areas with which the local seeks guidance and assistance for the purpose of organizing.
• Develop plans for and provide direct support to DSEA and its affiliates in developing organizing plans and creating a system/process to measure effectiveness.
• Conduct regular visits to worksites to coach local and worksite leaders in organizing skills.  This includes but is not limited to building positive relationships with local leaders and staff to advance their knowledge of and skill in organizing.
• Provide support to local affiliate officers and representatives in the planning and implementation of their collective bargaining, member rights and contract enforcement programs. 
• Assist with development of organizing skills of other association staff and participate with DSEA staff to build and deliver effective training programs to increase organizational knowledge and strength.
• Assist in representative training, local program development, budget, political action/legislative initiatives, and any other areas with which the locals seek guidance and assistance.
• Work in a cooperative manner with other members of DSEA staff, DSEA management, DSEA Board of Directors and elected local leadership.
• Provide reports and data as requested by DSEA management and DSEA governance.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.

Minimum Qualifications

• Familiarity with union work as a member, leader, or staff – preferred
• Work experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Issue organizing;
  • Membership recruitment and engagement;
  • Worksite leader development; 
  • Member/local advocacy;
  • Collective bargaining and contract enforcement; and
  • Relevant data management and analytics.
• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication
• Demonstrated ability to foster long-term relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent and expert judgement, initiative and resourcefulness
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze various options in determining an appropriate course of action
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties with a high level of efficiency and accuracy
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and interact effectively with individuals and groups both inside and outside DSEA, to include staff, affiliates, and members to accomplish the goals of DSEA
• Experience and commitment to working in a team environment and the willingness to share responsibilities with colleagues and act as a team leader, if necessary
• Demonstrated ability to influence, motivate or lead persons or groups in gaining compliance with DSEA objectives by persuasion or negotiation
• Demonstrated ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Office Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, Zoom and other database platforms such as Salesforce
• Ability and willingness to work long hours, including evenings and weekends
• A valid U.S. driver’s license that complies with the State of Delaware
• Bachelor’s degree or higher– preferred

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Salary & Benefits:

The successful applicant will be hired pursuant to the Delaware Staff Organization Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Application Deadline:  June 25, 2025

Please submit a letter of application, resume, and three references to:

Jeff Taschner, Executive Director

Delaware State Education Association

136 East Water Street

Dover, DE 19901

You may also fax this information to Jeff Taschner at (302) 674-8499 or email him at [email protected].