Field Director

The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) is a labor union representing more than 17,000 professionals employed by various agencies across the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. MAPE is currently recruiting for a Field Director position to build a powerful union that workers want to belong to; that can take bold, collective action; and be grounded in democratic, member-driven principles.
We are looking for applicants who are energetic and committed to supporting our staff and members and their work. You would be joining a growing team that works as the backbone of our labor union, providing members and staff with the tools and resources they need to achieve success.
To be considered, qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter detailing experience in the key areas outlined in the position description no later than May 28, 2024 to: jobs@mape.org.
Todd Maki
3460 Lexington Avenue N #300
Shoreview, MN 55126
The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this position. The typical starting salary for this position is $109,098 - $125,384 plus a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental and life insurance; holidays, sick and vacation leave, and contributions to the Minnesota State Retirement System.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Classification title: Field Director
Working title: Same as above
Salary range: Classified
Job type: Full-time
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Travel: Travel required
Date of revision: May 3, 2024

Position Purpose

The Field Director at MAPE is pivotal in shaping the strategic direction and operational execution of member engagement across the union. This role is responsible for leading our efforts in building a robust union community by fostering strong relationships with members, enhancing engagement strategies, and ensuring effective representation and advocacy. The Field Director will:
• Develop and implement innovative campaigns that align with union priorities and enhance membership growth, while fostering a culture of activism and participation among the membership.
• Supervise and mentor a team of Business Agents, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and resources needed to effectively mobilize members and advocate for their rights.
• Collaborate with leadership and key stakeholders to craft strategies that strengthen the union’s influence within and outside the workplace, focusing on both internal and external organizing efforts.
• Lead initiatives aimed at increasing members participation in union activities, thereby strengthening the union’s democratic processes and operational transparency.
• Oversee the strategic use of data to track membership trends and campaign effectiveness, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
This role requires a dynamic leader capable of navigating complex challenges and driving the union’s mission forward through innovative strategies and strong leadership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Strategic Direction
• Develop and articulate clear strategic goals for member education, engagement, advocacy, and union growth.
• Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive campaigns that align with union priorities and strengthen membership growth.
2. Supervision and Team Management
• Oversee a team of Business Agents, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure they are effective in their roles.
• Evaluate team performance regularly, offering feedback and implementing development programs to enhance skills.
• Foster a positive team culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, creativity, and accountability.
3. Member Engagement and Organizing
• Implement initiatives to increase member participation in union activities and decision-making processes.
• Organize and supervise member education and recruitment efforts, ensuring the union’s growth and vitality.
• Develop and coordinate educational programs that increase members’ understanding of unionism, union benefits and advocacy methods.
4. Campaign and Project Management
• Manage multiple organizing campaigns and projects simultaneously, setting priorities and deadlines to achieve strategic objectives in collaboration with Operations and Communications staff.
• Collaborate with external partners and stakeholders to advance union goals and increase influence in broader community and political spheres.
5. Communication and Advocacy
• Serve as a key representative of the union, articulating the needs and rights of members to employers, government entities, and the public, in coordination with the communications department.
• Enhance internal communication strategies to ensure members are informed and engaged with union activities and goals.
6. Data and Resource Management
• Support and guide the collection and analysis of data related to membership engagement and campaign effectiveness while collaborating with Operations.
• Manage resources efficiently, ensuring that financial and human resources are allocated in alignment with union priorities.
7. Professional Development and Training
• Conduct regular training sessions for staff and members to enhance their skills in negotiation, leadership, and advocacy.
• Stay updated on latest trends and best practices within the labor movement to continually improve union effectiveness.
8. Compliance and Governance
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, union policies, and ethical guidelines in all aspects of union operations.
• Advise and assist in the negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements.
Performance Review
The Chief of Staff will review the Field Director’s performance at the end of the initial six months and annually thereafter. The performance review’s purpose is to agree on a set of goals for the following review period and assess the extent to which the goals from the previous review period have been achieved. Performance targets are based on the responsibilities and duties articulated in this position description.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, public administration, business administration, a closely related field or equivalent experience required. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of progressive experience with demonstrated experience in managing large teams and complex organizational/union structures.
• Direct experience in contract negotiation and organizing required.
• Strong leadership and management skills. Experience managing an organized workforce preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic campaigns and initiatives.
• Advanced skills in conflict resolution and change management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in a public sector union preferred.

This position is eligible to telework (work from home) part of the time but requires regular attendance at the MAPE office in Shoreview as well as occasional visits to worksites across Minnesota.