UniServ Director - Blue Ridge

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is seeking applicants for the position of UniServ Director.

VEA is the largest education union in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association (www.nea.org).

Position and Area Description:

Blue Ridge is comprised of 9 locals Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange, Goochland, and Powhatan. The unit is served by one UniServ Director.

The primary office is located in Charlottesville.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. degree preferred; equivalent of education and work experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated skills in developing strategies to foster positive change
• Successful work experience in public schools or associations advocating for public schools
• Political Awareness
• Understanding of the bargaining process and its components
• Demonstrable high-level knowledge/skills in all areas of association activities, including:
• effective verbal skills including presentation skills
• clear, concise writing skills
• knowledge of technology and application to work assignment
• demonstrated skill in MS Word and other Microsoft applications.
• highly developed and effective interpersonal skills
• demonstrated positive collaborative working relationships with others
• conflict resolution/mediation skills
• conceptualizing, developing and delivering training and organizational programs
• skill in project management, assessment, and evaluation
• demonstrated effectiveness in counseling, coaching, and mentoring
• ability to be flexible – shifting priorities/resources with a positive attitude
• strong public relations skills
• self-starter who can work without direct supervision
• awareness of political campaigns and lobbying

Core Job Functions

• Assist local leadership in developing and implementing year-round membership recruitment and retention plans
• Assist in the design and execution of association/rep building level leader training
• Assist local leadership in providing association visibility in worksites where building local leaders/ARs have yet to be identified
• Assist local leadership in identifying potential building-level leaders/ARs.
• Assist locals in the recruitment and leadership development of Education Support Professionals
• Assist local leadership to develop capacity for advocacy and activism within the membership and larger community
• Provide consultation to members and local Associations on and work to protect member rights and working conditions
• Maintain a working knowledge of the NEA360 and other related membership information systems as NEA/VEA may employ
• Provide guidance to local leadership on the procurement of office equipment, local staff and space and any contracts/leases and record- keeping associated with same.
• Coordinate state and national resources including raising awareness of member benefits
• Provide salary and negotiations consultation and related training to local leaders
• Develop members’ leadership and organizing skills through training workshops
• Assist in legislative and political activities and maintain familiarity with federal, state and local legislation and policies affecting members.
• Able to apply a racial and social lens to the work

Salary/Fringe Benefits

This position is covered by the Virginia Professional Staff Association (VPSA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and has a salary range of $81,949-

$114,138.

The position also includes a rich fringe benefits package, including:

• 95% of employer-paid medical insurance,
• 100% covered employee-level dental and vision and
• 100% employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement account for medical and wellness expenses.
• 18% automatic contribution to 401k with an additional 2% match