Council Manager - Seattle Education Association

Job Description

Job Description

Council Description

The Seattle Education Association (SEA) is a diverse 6,000-member Local/Council comprised of certificated, paraprofessional, and office professionals – including substitutes – who work for Seattle Public Schools. SEA is a member-driven and member-led organization that works with a high degree of collaboration and teamwork between SEA staff and leaders.

 

The SEA is the collective voice of educators working in a union where members across all identities are full participants in decisions to address the legacy and continuing impacts of systemic racism to improve educator working conditions and transform our schools.

 

SEA employs five UniServ Directors, an Organizer, a Bookkeeper, and an Office Support Professional. Additionally, SEA has four full-time release leaders: President, Vice President, Director for the Center of Racial and Social Justice, and the President of the Paraprofessionals Department. The President of the Office Professionals is released part-time. There is also a President of the Substitutes.

Job Summary

The SEA Council Manager will have additional department responsibilities and may have additional direct reports in coordination with the Center for Union Strength and Power (CUSP) Co-Directors.

 

The Council Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing council operations, and representing the interests of SEA members. The Council Manager works closely with a dedicated team of professionals and union leadership to drive our union mission forward and significantly impact the education landscape.

 

The Council Manager is responsible for working with the center directors, staff, leaders, and the Washington Education Association (WEA) management team to help lead and guide WEA’s strategic priorities around membership, compensation, and protecting public education.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Salary range - $216,000 to $225,000
• Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (full family coverage)
• Generous sick and paid time off (PTO)
• Long-term disability plan
• Defined Contribution plan - 401(k) (with employer contribution)
• Defined Benefit plan
• Relocation assistance

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a long-term vision and strategic plan for SEA in partnership with the Officers, Board of Directors, staff, and members.

 

• Governance Support: Support SEA Officers and Board of Directors in the implementation of their vision and strategic goals, in strengthening their member-led union, provide mentorship in the performance of their responsibilities, and assist with facilitating their decision-making and policy development.

 

• Organizational Management: Manage the council operations and finances, supervise and support staff assigned to SEA, oversee building management, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

 

• Member Engagement: Promote strong relationships with SEA members; build engagement and participation in SEA activities and initiatives.

 

• Race, Social and Economic Justice: Advocate for racial, social, and economic justice for members, students, and communities.

 

• Policy and Labor Relations: Lead efforts to influence education policies and labor relations at local and state levels, collaborating with government bodies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.

 

• Bargaining and Contract Negotiations: Support collective bargaining processes and co-lead contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions for SEA members.

 

• Communication and Outreach: Support and direct implementation of effective communication and outreach strategies to keep members informed and engaged and raise public awareness about SEA initiatives.

 

• Financial Stewardship: Support governance in management of SEA’s budget and financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

 

• Collaboration: Build and maintain productive relationships with partner organizations, other unions, and advocacy groups that share common goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within a union, non-profit organization, or a related field.
• A deep understanding of and commitment to union values, strengthening member-led unions, public education, and the mission of the SEA.
• A commitment to racial and social justice and the rights of workers in the public education sector.
• Demonstrated skill and experience managing staff and working with governance leaders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of labor laws, union organizing, labor advocacy, education policies, and educators' challenges.
• Strong organizational and management abilities.
• Political acumen and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes.
• Experience with financial management, reporting requirements, and budgeting.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Work in-person in the Seattle EA office located at 5501 4th Ave S STE 101, Seattle, WA 98108.
• Washington residence is required.
• Proof of Covid vaccination or granting of an approved exemption is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.

COVID-19 Vaccination

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, members and Councils, all candidates must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status upon hire. Exceptions may be made for medical or religious reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Supervision

The Seattle Education Association Council Manager will report to the Washington Education Association Center for Union Strength and Power Co-Directors.

 

A Note To Potential Candidates

Studies have shown that individuals with racialized and/or minoritized identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet most or all listed qualifications. We are committed to finding the best candidate for the job and strongly encourage all to apply, regardless of meeting every qualification described. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship/immigration status, disability, age, or veteran status. 

Application:

• If you are interested in applying for this position, please click on the Apply for This Job button to submit your application, cover letter, and resume.
• If you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from SkillSurvey with instructions and a link on how-to submit your five (5) professional references.
• Closing date is October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM PT .
• In-person interviews will be held at the WEA Headquarters office.

The Washington Education Association is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where the contributions of each employee are respected as part of the work performed on behalf of 90,000+ members in public education. WEA embraces employees with varied backgrounds and life experiences, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, and veteran status. Only those candidates who can commit to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness need apply.