Application Guide

How to Apply for Field Organizer

at American Association of University Professors

🏢 About American Association of University Professors

The AAUP is a dynamic and growing union dedicated to defending academic freedom, shared governance, and the rights of higher education workers. Joining this team means being at the forefront of the fight for fair treatment and collective bargaining in academia, with a strong focus on mobilizing against political attacks on higher education.

About This Role

As a Field Organizer, you will be instrumental in supporting higher education workers through NLRB elections and state public elections. You'll work closely with organizing staff, develop workplace leaders, and use data-driven strategies to build power for faculty and staff, making a tangible impact on their working conditions and academic freedom.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual check-ins with your organizing team, phone or video calls with faculty leaders, and analyzing campaign data to identify next steps. You might also be planning and conducting virtual trainings for new leaders, or preparing materials for an upcoming election. The remote nature means you'll have flexibility, but also need to manage your own schedule and stay connected with your team.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for American Association of University Professors

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who American Association of University Professors Is Looking For

  • A seasoned organizer with at least three years of union organizing experience, specifically including campaigns with units of 500+ workers.
  • Proven track record of being part of a successful organizing team that won a union election.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a deep commitment to a worker-led organizing model and the ability to build strong relationships with faculty.
  • Proficient in using membership databases (e.g., EveryAction, ActionBuilder) and Microsoft Office, with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

📝 Tips for Applying to American Association of University Professors

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific campaigns where you organized units of 500+ workers, detailing your role and the outcome (election victory).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your commitment to worker-led organizing and give an example of how you've developed workplace leaders in past roles.

3

Showcase your data skills: mention any experience you have with using data to inform organizing strategy, such as tracking metrics or using databases like EveryAction.

4

Research AAUP's recent campaigns and victories, and reference them in your application to show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across different locations and time zones.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with large-unit organizing (500+) and your role in winning elections.', "Your philosophy of worker-led organizing and how you've put it into practice.", 'Your ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse faculty members.', "Your proficiency with data and how you've used it to drive campaign strategy."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AAUP's website and recent news to understand their current campaigns and priorities.
  • → Look into the specific challenges facing higher education workers today, such as adjunctification, funding cuts, and political attacks on tenure.
  • → Familiarize yourself with NLRB election procedures and any recent changes that might affect organizing.
  • → Check out AAUP's social media and press releases to see their tone and messaging, which can help you align your application.
Visit American Association of University Professors's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a specific campaign where you organized a unit of 500+ workers. What was your role and what were the key challenges?
2 How do you approach identifying and developing workplace leaders in a higher education setting?
3 Describe a time you had to adapt your organizing approach based on data or feedback. What was the outcome?
4 How do you stay motivated and keep others motivated during long, difficult campaigns?
5 Given the remote nature of this role, how do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with a dispersed team?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't be generic: avoid vague language about 'passion for social justice' without concrete examples from your organizing experience.
  • Don't downplay the size of units you've organized; if you haven't organized 500+ alone, highlight your role in a team effort.
  • Don't ignore the data aspect: failing to mention your comfort with databases or analytics might make you seem less tech-savvy than needed.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to American Association of University Professors!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →