Labor Engagement Representative/AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison (Labor Liaison)

Job Description

Job Description

The Labor Engagement Department serves as a liaison to Organized Labor, with particular emphasis on partnerships with AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils, Federations of Labor, Building Trades Councils, and affiliated unions throughout the UWGSL footprint. Core initiatives include fundraising, direct assistance and referrals, training and leadership development, volunteerism, and collaborative responses to labor and community needs through strategic partnerships.

The Labor Engagement Representative /AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison (Labor Liaison) is an integral member of the Labor Engagement team and works in close coordination with United Way regional teams to advance shared priorities aligned with the organization's strategic plan.

Job Summary: The Labor Engagement Representative builds and sustains strong, collaborative relationships between Organized Labor and the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) across all regional service areas. The role advances access to United Way services and community resources for union members and their families, while fostering labor engagement in fundraising, community service, leadership, and collective impact initiatives.

General Responsibilities:

• Promote labor support for United Way through ongoing and special initiatives, including securing endorsements from labor leadership, supporting annual Labor Campaign fundraising efforts, and participating in the overall United Way campaign.
• Maintain accurate labor records in Andar.
• Recruit labor leaders for leadership and advisory roles within United Way structures, including auxiliary boards and committees.
• Engage union members as volunteers for United Way and community initiatives.
• Represent United Way at union meetings, workplace campaigns, and labor events.
• Maintain consistent, effective communication with AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils, Federations of Labor, Building Trades Councils, and affiliated unions at local, regional, and state levels.
• Support training of campaign staff and volunteers to effectively engage labor partners.
• Collaborate with the Workplace Campaign team to strengthen outreach and participation in unionized workplaces.
• Help with planning and recruitment for UCAN (Union Community Activists Network) training for union leaders and community service committee members.
• Attend and assist with planning, as needed, for AFL-CIO community services conferences.
• Participate in rapid-response efforts supporting workers impacted by layoffs, disasters, or workplace disruptions.
• Coordinate with unions leadership during emergency situations, as appropriate.
• Provide direct assistance and referrals services to union members through the Labor Direct Assistance Program, connecting individuals and families to United Way community-based resources.
• Maintain accurate documentation and coordination with labor partners when financial assistance is involved.
• Encourage and support local unions in establishing and sustaining active community services committees by providing guidance, tools, and technical assistance.
• Lead planning, implementation, and volunteer recruitment for labor and regional community service projects, including food drives, holiday assistance initiatives, workers' memorial observances, Labor Day activities, and other mission-aligned efforts.
• Collaborate with regional United Way teams to address community priorities and agency needs in alignment with the strategic plan, serving as a liaison between agencies and labor volunteers when appropriate

Key Accountabilities:

• Managing Relationships – develop and sustain productive, professional relationships with leaders of central labor bodies, Building Trades Councils, and affiliated unions across assigned regions.
• Campaign Engagement –
  • Partners with regional teams and labor participation leaders to maximize union member participation and contributions in workplace campaigns.
  • Work with designated Labor leadership to meet labor campaign goals within the region.
  • Collaborate with the Labor Engagement team to plan and achieve goals for annual labor-focused fundraising initiatives.
  • Provide additional campaign support within regional divisions, as needed
• Labor Direct Assistance Program – provide direct assistance and referrals to union members (and community members when applicable) experiencing financial hardship, utilizing United Way and labor-supported resources.
• Community services and volunteerism – provide leadership in labor-driven volunteerism and community service projects and engage labor leaders in meaningful roles across United Way boards, committees, and community initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of organized labor and labor-management relations, with a strong understanding of the labor movement and its community partners.
• Strong written communication skills for professional correspondence, documentation, and reporting.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize data, clearly communicating key findings and insights.
• Understanding of and commitment to the United Way mission, vision, and core values.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build, grow, and sustain productive relationships
• across the labor movement and broader community.
• Ability to manage challenging situations with sound judgment, professionalism, and maturity.
• Self-directed and collaborative, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team in both leadership and support roles.
• Strong organizational skills, personal accountability, and the ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of work with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strategic and creative thinker with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency with computers, databases, and social media platforms.
• Strong familiarity with organized labor and alignment with the mission and values of the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions.
• Membership in an AFL-CIO affiliated union is preferred. With approval of the appropriate AFL-CIO affiliate, candidates who are not currently union members or who are members of unaffiliated unions may be considered, with the expectation of joining an affiliated union when applicable.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a hybrid work schedule, 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family beginning the first of the month after employment, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3-year vesting schedule.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.