Unit Description and/or Conditions Unique to Assignment
The United Teachers of Richmond is a single unit Option 1 UniServ. One executive director, two support staff, and a full-time release president work in this office. The bargaining unit is comprised of approximately 1,900 members, has agency fee, and is part of the Alcosta Service Center Council. The district is experiencing high turnover in the UTR bargaining unit, and a high percentage of new teachers.
West Contra Costa County School District (Richmond) declared bankruptcy in 1991 and remains under the jurisdiction and financial control of a state appointed trustee. As a direct result of the bankruptcy, certificated employees suffered a 9% salary reduction in 1991-92; however, several salary schedule increases have been negotiated in recent years. The Chapter has recently ratified a three year agreement with salary reopeners for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.
Community organizing and education reform/restructuring, understanding of school budgets, bargaining, grievance processing, political action, and other aspects of member representation and advocacy are critical components of this position. UTR has several ongoing programs aimed at increasing public support for local schools and creating stronger bonds with members of the bargaining unit.
The school district is an urban center in Contra Costa County with a population of approximately 150,000. It is an ethnically and linguistically diverse community with heavily Democratic political party registration. The cost of single-family housing varies widely, with the median cost being about $450,000. The University of California at Berkeley and California State University - East Bay are within driving distance. In addition to enjoying one of the best climates in the Bay Area, there is good public transportation on BART, train, ferry, and bus to the surrounding metropolitan areas and its myriad of cultural and sports activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Primary responsibility is to serve as organizer and consultant to CTA chapters in the development of chapter organization, chapter service programs, contract negotiations and contract maintenance.
Provide staff assistance and service as consultant to chapter leadership and to members in negotiations, grievances, organizational development and chapter communications.
Serve as consultant and staff resource to Unit's Board of Directors on current problems facing the education profession in California.
Represent the chapter in communicating Association policies and programs to lay and professional groups.
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director or her designee.
Qualifications:
A BS/BA or higher degree.
Experience with and broad understanding of professional teacher organization programs and services at local, state and national levels.
Demonstrated leadership ability in working with professional groups.
Demonstrated organizing, negotiating and coordinating skills necessary to successfully complete complex group projects and activities.
Ability to use Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and learn programs necessary to support chapter bargaining, organizing, and communications.
Demonstrated ability in written and oral communications.
Experience and commitment to team approaches, to service delivery, and willingness to share responsibility for chapter services with colleagues.
Broad understanding of the critical issues and problems facing the public schools and the teaching profession in California.
Applications may be filed up to the time the Application Screening Committee meets.
*This position is in a bargaining unit represented by CSO. Salaries are established by a collective bargaining agreement. Step placement is also determined by the CTA/CSO Agreement.
CTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
