Manager of Organizing and Affiliate Relations

Job Summary

The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) seeks a Manager of Organizing and Affiliate Relations to lead statewide unified services (UniServ) and field programs; supervise multi-level teams; coordinate advocacy, collaborative conferencing, and organizing campaigns; and develop strategic plans that advance association goals at the state and local levels. This role collaborates with staff and association leaders to recommend programs and services that drive membership growth, strengthen engagement, and amplify educators’ voices in local communities.

The Manager monitors resources that support local organizing efforts, promotes TEA-NEA programs, serves as management lead in strengthening internal culture and organizational effectiveness of local affiliates, and provides guidance on advocacy, recruitment, organizing, and employment-related membership issues. As a member of the management team, the Manager shares responsibility for advancing TEA’s mission and priorities to support students, educators, and strong public schools across Tennessee.

This position manages staff statewide and requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel frequently. Evening and occasional weekend work, as well as limited national travel, is required to support staff, affiliates, and organizational initiatives.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn Tennessee’s PreK–12 education landscape, passionate about advocating for educators and students, and is committed to inclusive leadership. TEA seeks someone who brings credibility, initiative, and innovative strategies to strengthen its mission and achieve meaningful results.

Job Responsibilities

The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) seeks a Manager of Organizing and Affiliate Relations to lead statewide unified services (UniServ) and field programs; supervise multi-level teams; coordinate advocacy, collaborative conferencing, and organizing campaigns; and develop strategic plans that advance association goals at the state and local levels. This role collaborates with staff and association leaders to recommend programs and services that drive membership growth, strengthen engagement, and amplify educators’ voices in local communities.

The Manager monitors resources that support local organizing efforts, promotes TEA-NEA programs, serves as management lead in strengthening internal culture and organizational effectiveness of local affiliates, and provides guidance on advocacy, recruitment, organizing, and employment-related membership issues. As a member of the management team, the Manager shares responsibility for advancing TEA’s mission and priorities to support students, educators, and strong public schools across Tennessee.

This position manages staff statewide and requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel frequently. Evening and occasional weekend work, as well as limited national travel, is required to support staff, affiliates, and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Belief in public education and the role it plays in society
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, developing action plans, and executing organizing/advocacy campaigns
• Ability to engage constructively with individuals or groups in conflict, facilitate productive dialog, and help guide parties toward resolution and mutually acceptable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and engage members to join a collective action organization
• Flexible approach to change-management and an aptitude for problem-solving along with the capacity to successfully engage with members and affiliates
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to manage and supervise both professionals and volunteers
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills are required with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Strong organization skills with a demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals, meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with members, diverse stakeholders, and staff
• Experience in using software tools to track, manage, and analyze data
• The general qualifications required of a TEA manager, including a high degree of intelligence, integrity, creativity, leadership ability, and positive attitude.

Preferred Competencies

• Experience working in state/local government, education research, public policy or related field.
• Experience in leading teams, managing staff, and coordinating projects effectively.

• Demonstrated experience in developing membership recruitment and engagement strategies with political and legislative campaigns. 
• Knowledge of non-profits and/or TN public schools and colleges.
• Certification, credentials, advanced degree or equivalent experience in organizational development, education leadership or related fields.
• Understanding of diversity with experience engaging with diverse groups.
• Familiarity with standard procedures in budgeting, financial management, personnel management, and collective bargaining.
• Excellent analytical skills, ability to use data to drive improvement, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of or experience negotiating collective bargained agreements
• Experience or knowledge of Salesforce, advocacy software tools, platforms and related programs (i.e. Civis, VAN, Hustle. Action Network) and willingness to embrace new technology
• Expertise in education association programs and operations, local-state-and NEA structure/programs.
• Experience as a manager of NEA affiliate UniServ/Field organizers or comparable staff in a labor organization or unionized environment.

Additional Information

Benefits

TEA is prepared to offer a generous and competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications). Excellent fringe benefits package including family health insurance; dental, vision and life insurance; retirement, staff vehicle and leave package.

How to Apply

Candidates who wish to apply may do so by submitting an application and resume to Executive Director, Terrance J. Gibson by emailing Jessica Holmes. Applications may be found online at tnea.org and sent to the attention of Jessica Holmes at View email address on us.fitly.work. Questions about the application process may be sent to Jessica Holmes via email address above or phone at View phone number on us.fitly.work.

Details

• Date Posted: June 23, 2026
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Other
• Service Area: Other