Application Guide
How to Apply for Academic Freedom Organizer
at American Association of University Professors
🏢 About American Association of University Professors
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is a unique union dedicated to protecting academic freedom and defending democracy in higher education. It combines labor organizing with advocacy against partisan attacks, offering a mission-driven environment where your work directly impacts faculty rights and the broader political landscape. If you're passionate about higher education and social justice, AAUP provides a platform to effect real change.
About This Role
As an Academic Freedom Organizer, you'll lead campaigns to safeguard academic freedom on campuses nationwide, training chapter leaders and facilitating rapid responses to threats. This role is impactful because it strengthens the collective power of higher education workers, ensuring they can teach and research without fear of political reprisal. You'll be at the forefront of defending intellectual freedom in an era of increasing censorship.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a call to a chapter leader facing a censorship issue, helping them plan a response strategy. You could spend the afternoon developing a training module on academic freedom and collective bargaining, then host a webinar for faculty across multiple states. Evenings might involve writing a rapid response alert or preparing for a campus visit the next day.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who American Association of University Professors Is Looking For
- A seasoned organizer with at least three years of experience, preferably in higher education or labor movement contexts, who has run successful issue-based campaigns.
- Deeply knowledgeable about academic freedom principles, current political attacks on higher education, and how collective bargaining can protect faculty rights.
- An excellent communicator and trainer, able to develop workshops and resources that empower chapter leaders and members to advocate effectively.
- Flexible and willing to travel extensively across the US and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to support urgent campus needs.
📝 Tips for Applying to American Association of University Professors
Highlight specific campaigns you've led that involved defending free speech or academic freedom, even if in other sectors like K-12 or public sector unions.
Show your understanding of AAUP's dual role as both a union and an advocacy organization; mention any familiarity with AAUP's history or current initiatives.
Provide examples of how you've trained others in organizing tactics, such as workshop agendas or training materials you've developed.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and manage multiple campaigns simultaneously, as this role covers campuses nationwide.
Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'academic freedom,' 'collective bargaining,' 'faculty governance,' and 'rapid response' from the job description.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to defending academic freedom and how it aligns with AAUP's mission to combat partisan attacks on higher education.", "Concrete examples of organizing wins that involved protecting workers' rights or free expression, especially in educational settings.", 'Your experience in cross-institutional coalition-building, such as coordinating with multiple campuses or state-level groups.', 'Your ability to adapt training and resources for diverse audiences, from tenured professors to adjunct faculty.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AAUP's recent reports on academic freedom, such as the 'Academic Freedom and Tenure' investigations, to understand their advocacy work.
- → Familiarize yourself with AAUP's collective bargaining affiliates and their contract language on academic freedom protections.
- → Read about AAUP's involvement in current high-profile cases, like challenges to tenure at public universities or legislative attacks on DEI programs.
- → Understand the structure of AAUP's chapters and how the national office supports local organizing efforts.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on your own academic background without connecting it to organizing experience; this is a union role, not a faculty position.
- Avoid vague statements about 'supporting higher education' without demonstrating specific knowledge of academic freedom issues and labor strategies.
- Don't overlook the travel requirement; be prepared to discuss your willingness and ability to travel extensively, including to conservative states.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to American Association of University Professors!