Field Program Director

Who We Are:

The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, has a long history of fighting for workers’ rights and employee benefits while tackling social justice issues with passion and energy. The WFSE has been operating in the state capital for eighty (80) years fighting for fairness and equality. We ensure hard-working public service workers get better pay, health care, retirement, and a healthy work environment. There is more to accomplish, and we believe we can accomplish it with the right personnel. Come join our team and be part of a larger mission that will make an impact for years to come. Learn more about who we are at: wfse.org.

What We are Looking For:

The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is recruiting to fill the position of Field Program Director. This position works in collaboration with the Executive Director in determining the organization’s field operational priorities and ensures their effective execution. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, this position is critical to help identify the strategic direction, vision, and mission through data-driven decision-making, and is a key partner to implementing that strategy by ensuring objectives are met across the organization. This position is a vital link in the mission of the WFSE connecting our field teams to the other divisions in the organization and contributing to the success of the union. This position sets the strategic goals of the field and works with field staff to ensure members are receiving the highest level of representation while driving successful organizing initiatives.

As the head of the Field Program, this position has operational oversight and authority over all field offices; labor education; database administration, and the Member Connection Center. Collectively, these areas organize, represent, educate, and campaign for approximately 47,000 bargaining unit members. This requires the highest level of leadership, accountability, community and organizational awareness, and the ability to develop and maintain successful and vibrant relationships with our stakeholders.

Additional duties include:

• Participates in the development, implementation, and enforcement of WFSE policies.
• Staffs Executive Board Committees, assigns work to appropriate personnel, ensures field activities are coordinated, and troubleshoots for Policy committee meetings.
• Attends conventions, conferences, and other large meetings outlining the vision and direction while responding to inquiries and potential risks associated to the field.
• Designs performance measures and analyzes the data from field staff to ensure that the staff performance is meeting the representational and internal organizing goals of the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Eight (8) years of demonstrated experience in labor relations, creating, planning, and implementing extensive union internal organizing campaigns, and staff supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Thorough understanding of Washington State employment law, contract enforcement, labor practices, and the labor movement.
• Experience managing budgets, large numbers of staff, and the ability to construct and assemble the appropriate resources to manage the division effectively.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, labor law, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience using data in an organizing environment.
• Experience in data analytics.
• Extensive experience with VAN and other labor database platforms.
• Ability to: work with people, convey instructions to others, and supervise staff.
• Skills: Good written and oral communication, negotiation, grievance handling, organizing.
• Knowledge of public sector rules and laws.

Special Note:

It is expected that selected candidates live within commuting distance of their assigned work location. This position is overtime exempt and may be required to work occasional weekends. Travel is normally limited to the assigned area of responsibility. Must have a valid driver’s license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Benefits include twelve (12) paid holidays, annual and sick leave, $150 monthly cell phone allowance, $800 monthly vehicle allowance, medical/dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, personal holidays, and more. The salary range is $123,424 to $149,308 and will be determined commensurate with experience. This position is exempt and serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position(s), applicants must submit a resume, letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to:  resumes@wfse.org. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you the best candidate for this position.

This position is open until filled; however, it is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

The Washington Federation of State Employees is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and equal access in a non-discriminatory manner to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability.
 
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Manager, Tiffany Wright at (360) 339-5159 or tiffanyw@wfse.org. Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The WFSE complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the Federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.