Field Representative

Ohio Federation of Teachers

Based in Ohio (travel anticipated)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Organizes members to actively participate in the work of their local affiliate and in the political and legislative activities of the OFT/AFT. Helps to develop leaders at the local level.
• Pursues an active and aggressive program of public relations within the region assigned. May include working with local leaders as well as civic and community groups and leaders.
• Ensures effective representation in contract enforcement matters (i.e. grievances, collective bargaining).
• As assigned, directs activities of the OFT/AFT in the event of crises related to collective bargaining, employment security, professional quality, organizational integrity, legal rights, or legislative activity.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs and conducts programs and activities with the appropriate program divisions of OFT/AFT to improve local union leadership development and organizational improvement.
• Assists locals with their strategic planning activities.
• Works with locals to develop and implement a process in which members are involved in finding and implementing solutions to problems rather than having their problems solved for them.
• Pursues ongoing organizing activities. Such as, ongoing internal organizing programs and recruiting and organizing new locals.
• Communicates to the membership the policies and positions of the organization; provides advice and guidance to the membership and leadership regarding issues facing the organization, seeks feedback from members on policy issues.
• Works in concert and in cooperation with other members of the OFT staff in the development and implementation of a full service program.
• Implements OFT/AFT policy in the locals assigned.
• Assists locals in preparation for negotiations, conducts research when necessary, and provides support during the negotiation process.
• Expedites requests for services of members.
• Provides advice and representation on contract enforcement.
• Works in cooperation with members and staff of OFT/AFT outside of the Field Representative's region, from time to time as the need arises, if such activities are required to assist the achievement of the goals of the members within the Field Representative's region.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bargaining experience preferred.
• Organizing experience preferred.
• Experience with higher education institutions or workers at higher education institutions preferred.
• Effective writer and speaker.
• Evidence of interest in personal professional growth.
• Evidence of ability to function harmoniously with a wide variety of groups and individuals.
• Willingness to travel and to work nights and weekends.
• Automobile required. Driver’s license required.

BARGAINING UNIT: OFTSU

REPORTS TO: President or designee