UniServ Representative/ Labor Relations Specialist

About the role

The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) is a dedicated educators' labor union whose mission is to champion educators, students, and public schools. We have been a leading voice for teacher professionalism and school improvement since our formation in 1848. The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) is seeking an applicant for the position of UniServ Representative (Union Representative/Labor-Relations Specialist).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizing and Member Engagement
• Actively organize and involve members around professional, contractual, and legislative issues.
• Support and mobilize members to participate in campaigns, rallies, and advocacy efforts that advance CEA’s mission.
• Build strong relationships with local leaders and members to strengthen union capacity and engagement.
• Collective Bargaining and Contract Enforcement
• Provide technical assistance and guidance in contract negotiations, including preparation, strategy development, and settlement.
• Aid locals in processing grievances, arbitration, and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements.
• Interpret contract language and provide training to members and leaders on contract rights and obligations.
• Leadership Development and Training
• Develop and deliver workshops for members, local leaders, and association staff on organizing strategies, leadership skills, and union best practices.
• Coach and mentor local leaders to build sustainable leadership structures within associations.
• Promote a culture of organizing by empowering members to take ownership of union goals and initiatives.
• Research, Advocacy and Representation
• Monitor, analyze, and address workplace and education policy trends affecting CEA members.
• Represent and advocate for members before local boards of education, state agencies, and other governing bodies.
• Collaborate with CEA colleagues to support legislative and political action efforts.
• Campaigns, Projects and Collaboration
• Work as part of a statewide team to plan executive organizing campaigns, member outreach projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of strategies that build member power and advance collective goals.
• Participate in cross-departmental projects and statewide CEA programs.
• Administrative and Reporting
• Maintain accurate records of activities, grievances, and negotiations.
• Prepare reports, updates, and communications for internal and external audiences.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Skills and Qualifications

• Union Organizing and Advocacy
• Demonstrated ability to organize, involve, and mobilize members around workplace, professional, and legislative issues.
• Collective Bargaining Expertise
• Knowledge of labor law, grievance procedures, arbitration, and contract negotiations, with experience supporting or leading these processes.
• Project and Time Management
• Ability to manage a high volume of work with efficiency; can develop systems to keep tasks on track, juggle competing demands, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
• Strong capacity to analyze issues, anticipate challenges, and develop pragmatic, equitable solutions that advance organizational goals.
• Leadership and Facilitation
• Proven skills in building leadership among members, facilitating dialogue, coaching, and mentoring local leaders to achieve shared results.
• Communication Skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues, lead trainings, write clear reports, and present effectively to varied audiences.
• Colloboration and Relationship-Building
• Ability to build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders, work well in teams, and foster cooperation across organizational lines.
• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
• Demonstrated sensitivity to cultural, racial, and social differences; experience supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Flexibility and Resilience
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments; able to bounce back from setbacks, take ownership of outcomes, and persist in advancing union goals.
• Technology Skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and digital organizing tools; ability to learn new systems as needed.
• Work Schedule
• Willingness to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel extensively throughout Connecticut.

Education

Bachelor's Degree is required. Preferred qualifications include knowledge and experience of labor and/or community organizing, collective bargaining, grievance adjudication, political and legislative organizing, conducting leadership training programs, employment or leadership experience in all advocacy organizations such as national, or state education associations, or other labor organizations, or community organizations.

Pay and Benefits

The salary range is $113,120–$170,491 commensurate with experience and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) and pension plan; 16 paid holidays; as well as vacation and sick time.

Equal Opportunity

CEA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a workplace culture rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and others from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process should contact Latisha Billups at latishab@cea.org. Otherwise, all external applications should be submitted via ADP.