Job Opening at the Seattle News Guild!

The Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild (The NewsGuild-CWA Local 37082) is seeking an executive officer. 

For more than 80 years, our journalists and other media workers have been fighting for fair wages and benefits, sustainable jobs and the resources they need to help tell the story of our communities. The local has experienced significant growth in recent years and now represents approximately 300 workers at units in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. 

The executive officer is under the guidance and authority of a member-led board. The local is seeking a passionate and driven leader who can craft an organizer-minded vision to help build a strong and cohesive local. That includes securing first contracts for new units, aiding existing units in mobilization and capacity building, and seeking out new organizing opportunities crucial to the local’s long-term financial stability.

SALARY: This is a full-time salaried position. The range is $90,000 – $110,000 per year, but our local wants to build a compensation plan tailored to the individual — this means moving expenses, a retention bonus, a health insurance stipend or other forms of pay and benefits are also possible. In all cases, the expense of living in or near Seattle will also be a consideration.  The executive officer can propose wage raises and other bonuses during yearly reviews and contract renewal periods. 

BENEFITS:

• Four weeks of paid vacations
• Holidays:  New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Employee’s Birthday.
• Paid sick leave
• Bereavement leave
• 401k and CWA-ITU Pension Plan 
• Paid professional development

JOB DUTIES:

• Work with new and existing units to secure contracts through leading bargaining sessions (both virtually and in-person) and guiding unit leaders in crafting contract language and mobilizing members. 
• Represent and aid members with grievances and issues with contract enforcement. 
• Organize new units by seeking and taking leads, identifying and developing member organizers, and collaborating with NewsGuild staff organizers.
• Work cooperatively with a member-driven board in virtual monthly board meetings, occasional work sessions and in-person retreats and gatherings. 
• Mobilizing and developing units, including identifying potential member organizers and bargaining leads, guiding new and existing unit leaders and helping them energize and mobilize members.  
• Conduct internal and external communication through e-mail, Slack, and other tools. 
• Represent the PNWG in regional and national meetings, including the CWA District 7 Conference, NewsGuild meetings and Seattle-area union coalition gatherings. 
• Advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives, including in unit contracts and leadership development. 
• Oversee administrative duties, including managing incoming and outgoing funds, filing tax and employment documents and drafting an annual budget. 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• At least 3-5 years of union experience is preferred. The PNWG, however, will consider applications from journalists and others who have steward or other union organizing and mobilizing experience. 
• A bachelor’s degree is recommended. 

SEND YOUR APPLICATION: 

Fill out a job application and send an e-mail to guild37082@gmail.com with the following attachments: a resume, a letter of interest in the executive officer position and a list of references. 

Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

Completed applications will be processed as received. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1, 2024.