Staff Representative - Education

AFT Pennsylvania

Staff Representative
Education

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

Job Title: AFTPA Staff Representative
Job Category: Education
Location: AFT Pennsylvania Western Office 10 S. 19th Street at the River Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Travel Required: Yes, Regional/Statewide
Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and live or are willing to relocate to the Pittsburg Western PA area. (Note: Assignments are located statewide).
Minimum Starting Salary: $112,780
Position Type: Full Time (Nights and weekends required).
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; Retirement
Date posted: May 18, 2026
Reports To: AFT Pennsylvania President, Chief of Staff
Bargaining Unit: Federation of Teacher Staff Union (FTSU)

Overview of Position/Qualities Sought: Staff Representatives are responsible for both traditional contract servicing functions (e.g., contract negotiations, grievance/arbitration support) and membership engagement duties (e.g., increasing membership, developing activists, assisting with labor and political campaigns). Additionally, they support the long-term vision and strategy as outlined by the AFTPA President and Executive Council.

The desired candidate will be a strong proponent for the professional status of educators, including their salary and benefit rights, improved working conditions, and ability to advocate for members during their employment. Moreover, such a candidate has the personality and understanding needed to engage with a diverse member population in addition to supporting the talent development of local leaders. 

Responsibilities:
Serve as primary support for local leaders in the collective bargaining process including strategizing with locals, attending contract negotiation sessions, assisting in the drafting and editing of proposals, etc. Manage and assist local leaders with grievance, arbitration, and mediation related issues. Conduct regular visits to assigned locals including (but not limited to) membership meetings, board/governance meetings.

Develop, coordinate and/or facilitate workshops and activist training programs in the areas of (a) collective bargaining, (b) contract compliance, (c) financial compliance, and (d) membership engagement and labor organizing. Coordinate and maintain local membership data including databases (e.g. AFT Connect, Salesforce) and monitor overall health of the local. Assist the Chief of Staff with long-term strategy implementation, as developed by the Executive Council, including coordinating with fellow national and state union affiliates. Perform other duties as assigned including support with special projects.

Qualifications: 

• A viable applicant will have: Minimum two years of experience in (a) education; (b) contract negotiation and enforcement; and/or(c) membership engagement and (d) organizing. A combination of two or more areas is acceptable. Note: Minimum experience requirements must be outlined in the cover letter. Minimum educational attainment: Bachelor’s degree. 
• Strong understanding of the collective bargaining process and facility with data use. Expertise with membership engagement and labor organizing including campaign support. Familiarity with project management and support as well as an ability to work independently and take professional initiatives. Ability to design and facilitate adult professional development and/or trainings. Knowledge of commonly used computer applications, including Google Suite.
• A commitment to the principles of the labor movement and understanding of contemporary issues in all levels of education.

AFT Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. Under-represented groups encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please call 1-844-PENNAFT or email View email address on unionjobs.com . If selected for an interview, you will receive information regarding how to request accommodations for the interview.

Application Submission Process: 
Please submit a cover letter, résumé/CV, and three references letters to the following: View email address on unionjobs.com / ATTN: Application for Staff Representative

Posting Expiration Date: June 19, 2026 (11:59p.m.) Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until posting expiration date or a qualified candidate selected.

Preferred Start Date: Immediately/ Negotiable

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