Associate Director and Labor Educator (Education Professional 5)

Associate Director & Labor Educator - Labor Education Service

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Labor Education Service (LES) is seeking a full-time Associate Director and Labor Educator who will focus on outreach to the Minnesota labor movement, and developing and facilitating non-credit labor education classes, workshops, and trainings for LES programs and external clients. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced labor educator.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Instruction in labor education 40%

• Identify training needs of diverse groups of workers and unions
• Collaborate with labor organizations to develop and implement courses, workshops, and other programs
• Collaborate with other staff on a regular basis to plan educational programming, team-teach as needed and evaluate effectiveness of teaching and programs.
• Deliver customized educational programs in a variety of settings with union leaders, members, and the public
• Provide instruction in current LES programs such as Minnesota Union Leadership Program and Labor Studies Skills Courses
• Evaluate program effectiveness and utilize results to strengthen outcomes of ongoing programs

Curriculum development 10%

• Design customized teaching materials for specific sectors, unions, and training sessions, individually or in collaboration with LES colleagues and people in other groups.
• Incorporate popular education methodology and adult teaching and learning best practices
• Serve as a strategic resource to labor leaders and other labor educators by providing current teaching resources, curriculum and leadership development opportunities
• Create teaching materials reflective of the changing needs and growing diversity of the labor movement

Program coordination & leadership 25%

• Plan and coordinate implementation of one or more ongoing LES programs and occasional conferences and special events
• Develop and co-coordinate new LES programming
• Perform part of the administrative functions related to classes and events, which may include location scouting, recruiting participants and promotion.
• Be an active citizen within the collaborative culture of LES, including serving on LES committees and participating in regular staff planning and feedback meetings
• Participate in strategic planning to help LES fulfill its mission
• Provide internal leadership to LES in the absence of LES Director

External engagement 25%

• Serve as a primary liaison for LES with unions and other external partners (excluding the LES Advisory Committee)
• Create and implement an outreach plan annually
• Recruit other LES staff to participate in outreach activities
• Attend union meetings, conferences/conventions, social and educational events to represent LES and present LES programming
• Assist LES Administrator and LES Social Media Committee with external communications
• Foster and maintain productive relationships with labor organizations and other community groups committed to economic and social justice
• Support the development and effectiveness of labor organizations by providing educational resources on current issues facing the labor movement
• Provide occasional editorial support to LES media services such as Workday Magazine

** This is not a comprehensive list of duties. The duties of this position are subject to change. **

MINIMUM / ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in relevant field, with at least 4 years of experience, or a BA/BS with at least 6 years of relevant post degree experience
• Experience with labor unions, worker centers or community organizations
• Relevant teaching experience (e.g., labor education, adult education, classroom teaching, training, workshop facilitation)
• Strong cultural competency
• Knowledge and effective practice of adult teaching and learning techniques
• Proficient oral, written, and interpersonal communicator
• Capacity to work collaboratively and collectively with colleagues
• Familiarity with current issues and debates shaping the labor movement
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Advanced degree (MA, JD, PhD) in labor studies or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience as a labor educator in a university, union or community setting
• Ability to design curriculum and teach in a language other than English (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Oromo, Hmong, Amharic, etc.) spoken by a substantial population of Minnesota workers.
• Experience with other social movements
• Familiarity with popular education teaching methods and its application in union settings
• Knowledge of organizational development, particularly in a union context
• Familiarity with online teaching
• Experience with union leadership development programs
  

UNIT OVERVIEW:

The Labor Education Service (LES) is an educational program specifically focused on the needs of Minnesota workers and their organizations. We are committed to building worker power, using media and training rooted in popular education to transform workplaces and communities.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $92,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).