Deadline for Applying: November 16th at 11:59 p.m. PST, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis
UAW 4121 is the union representing 8,500 academic workers (Postdocs, Research Scientists/Engineers and Academic Student Employees) at all three campuses of the University of Washington. We are seeking to hire at least one ASE Membership Organizing Staff member at 0.5–1.0 FTE dedicated to Academic Student Employee (ASE) membership outreach and engagement. This position will start January 5th, 2026 and preference will be shown to candidates that plan to stay in the position through at least July 2027. Membership Organizing Staff positions support the ongoing work of the Local to build our collective power and advocate for fair working conditions, a stronger and more accessible higher education system, and social justice in our community and beyond.
Job responsibilities will include:
- Developing and implementing organizing strategies to increase membership involvement, with a particular focus on the Academic Student Employee bargaining unit
- Working directly with other union members, including by mentoring stewards, organizers, and other active members on organizing campaigns and projects
- Holding meetings with members online and in-person at work locations across the UW campuses and across Seattle, depending on specific needs of the situation
- Helping plan and run orientations for new bargaining unit employees
- Supporting work groups and organizing committees with their week-to-week work
- Developing an in-depth knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreements and helping ensure their implementation in the workplace
- Other tasks as assigned by Local Union leadership
A qualified candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Strong familiarity with workers represented by UAW Local 4121.
- Strong motivation to build power at UAW Local 4121 and empower more union members to protect and expand the rights of academic employees at UW.
- Prior experience with workplace and/or community organizing for workers’ rights and social justice. An ideal candidate will have experience making union membership asks, and be able to speak to their experience motivating UW ASEs to participate in organizing vehicles.
- The ability to communicate and work with people across diverse disciplines, linguistic backgrounds, workplaces, and identities at UW, as well as the ability to foster empowering and equitable group dynamics.
- Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative group.
- The ability to meet with union members, other staff, management, and others in a wide variety of locations (both remote and in-person) each week. In-person work primarily takes place at UW Seattle campus and UW Medicine South Lake Union.
- The ability to quickly adjust plans and priorities in response to changing conditions and unforeseen events. Some work may take place outside of regular business hours.
- The ability to efficiently write and share outreach materials and debrief data.
- The ability to efficiently navigate and use Google-based programs including Google shared drives, groups, and calendars.
Requirements, Pay, and Benefits
Per Local Union Bylaws, these positions are only open to members of the Union who have been in continuous good standing for at least 1 year.
Pay and benefits, as set forth in the Local Union Bylaws (Article 20):
- Pay: Currently hourly pay is $47.92 / hour. ***
- Time off: Employees receive 20 days of vacation per year, and 7 days of sick time for a full time equivalent, prorated for lower percentage FTEs.
- Health insurance: Those currently covered by GAIP are eligible to continue that coverage with premium costs reimbursed by UAW Local 4121. Otherwise, comparable health insurance coverage is provided (premiums covered 100%).
- Tuition and professional development: Opportunities for professional development may be available with the agreement of the UAW 4121 Joint Council. Those currently eligible to receive UW tuition benefits but not currently receiving them from UW are eligible for tuition reimbursement at the same level as a 50% FTE ASE tuition waiver.
- Transit Pass: Those not already receiving a U-PASS from UW are eligible to receive a comparable free transit pass.
- Retirement: Employees also receive a 401(k) with matching benefits.
Application
To be considered for this position, please send via email a cover letter and resume to the Local Union by November 16th at 11:59 p.m. PST. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Email all application materials to: hiring@uaw4121.org
You should receive confirmation that your application materials have been received within one business day. Inquiries about the position may be directed to the Hiring Committee (hiring@uaw4121.org).
UAW Local 4121 is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ community members are strongly encouraged to apply.
*** You will be paid based on the wages as set in the CBA between Staff Labor United and UAW Local 4121, which is currently under negotiation. In the time before an agreement is reached, you will be paid at a rate of $47.92 / hour.