Director of Operations

California Faculty Association
(affiliated with AAUP and SEIU)

Director of Operations

Based in Sacramento, CA

Affiliated with: SEIU and AAUP

CFA is a union of 28,000 faculty members, librarians, counselors and coaches of the California State University (CSU) system. In classrooms on the 23 CSU campuses, CFA members work hard to teach our students the critical thinking skills, the technical know-how, and the cultural insights they need to be thoughtful, productive, and artistic participants in our society.

CFA is one of the largest higher education labor unions in the U.S. and is a national leader for its advocacy for anti-racism and social justice. As the exclusive collective bargaining representative, CFA negotiates a contract with the CSU administration that promotes academic freedom, upholds faculty rights, delivers financial protection for the faculty, and promotes faculty participation in the governance of the CSU.

CFA is seeking candidates with a strong knowledge and background in racial and social justice work. Candidates who have relevant experience (formally or informally) and can translate that into the range of job responsibilities listed below are strongly encouraged to apply.

CFA is proud to be a member-run union and believes in employing hard-working and creative staff whose talents complement those of our elected leadership. For more information about the CFA, visit our website at

Location: Sacramento, CA

The Director of Operations serves as part of a statewide team that designs, plans, manages, and implements CFA programs based out of CFA’s Sacramento Headquarters. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Operations supervises three teams within CFA (Human Resources, Facilities, and Events) in accordance with CFA bylaws, policies established by an elected Board of Directors, and the staff collective bargaining agreement. This position will also supervise 18-23 part time employees located throughout the 23 state CSU’s. CFA’s staff includes approximately 100 employees based throughout California in the CFA Sacramento Headquarters and on the 23 CSU campuses. This senior level management position reports directly to the Executive Director and supervises managerial, professional, and administrative staff to carry out essential duties.

Essential Duties:

• Ensure that Headquarters Operations run smoothly through supervision of direct reports and in coordination with other CFA teams who work at Headquarters and throughout the state.
• Embrace/implement CFA’s Anti-Racism/Social Justice Transformation efforts, including intentionally working to infuse racial and social justice values into the everyday work of CFA.
• Supervise Head Quarters-based employees (managers, professional and administrative staff, comprising approximately 5 employees, also supervising approximately 18-23 office managers) in carrying out the work of Human Resources, Facilities, and Events with the understanding that:
  • CFA HR maintains personnel, recruits and onboards new employees, manages HR functions including payroll, benefits, and engages in employee relations with union and non-union employees.
  • CFA Facilities ensures that the union’s building and office spaces are equipped and maintained for the use of employees and members. The work requires managing the maintenance/improvement of the CFA office building, building security, work/office supplies, and implementing related policies. Facilities personnel perform related administrative tasks in support of all CFA programs.
  • CFA Events performs all the tasks required for in-person and virtual meetings including scheduling, contracting with outside vendors (caterers, hotels, etc.), registration, meeting set up, member preparation, etc. in conformity with bylaws and governance policies.
• Unionwide, assist Executive Director to manage sensitive and confidential organizational, member, and personnel matters.
• Negotiate and/or approve contracts with outside vendors in consultation with ED and/or Director of Finance.
• Set and oversee budgets of HR, Facilities, and Events.
• Ensure compliance with CFA policies and procedures with a thorough understanding of CFA’s policies and procedures.
• Aid and assist in the work of supervised staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Skills and progressive experience in managing, motivating, and leading staff teams.
• Skills and experience in strategic thinking, organizational development, campaign development, and long term planning.
• Ability to work cooperatively and strategically with union officers, member leaders, and senior staff to develop and implement CFA programs.
• Skills and Experience in project management.
• Experience and skills in human resources or labor management and familiarity with facilities management and events planning.

Requirements:

• The ability to perform essential duties.
• Staff management experience in a union, political organization, nonprofit or grassroots organization, or a higher education association or institution.
• Demonstrated skill, experience and acumen in developing and managing staff teams, particularly in developing and leading staff.
• Demonstrated ability to infuse racial and social justice work into the everyday work of CFA.
• Experience bargaining or administering contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules and policies.
• Demonstrated skill and experience creating and implementing strategic plans.
• Familiarity working with and/or the ability to work with union officers and union member-based committees.
• Excellent writing, oral communication and public speaking skills.
• 5 years of human resources, labor relations experience, or related field.

Other Requirements:

• The Director of Operations is required to devote full time to the position and works a non-standard workweek including evenings and weekends when required.
• Periodic travel within the state and some limited travel outside the state.
• Valid driver’s license, an automobile for business use, and proof of minimum insurance coverage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds/11.34 kilograms; subject to reasonable accommodation.

Salary/Benefits: Depending on experience and skills, salary range is $167,000 – $181,000. CFA offers a fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision, SEIU defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) with employer match and generous paid leave.

To Apply:
Send cover letter and résumé (and any other relevant materials including demonstrations of skills or publications) with references to: View email address on us.fitly.work

CFA is an Affirmative Action Employer.
Women, People of Color/Native People, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

CFA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on us.fitly.work

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .