International Representative – Higher Education Department
The UAW’s Higher Education Department seeks a servicing representative to support the development of the Department and the growth of UAW’s higher ed membership. The representative will advance the priorities of the department and empower the Higher Education Council to be the voice UAW’s Higher Ed workers. Candidates should explain their experience working with higher ed workers and any familiarity with higher ed standards for different types of workers (staff, student workers, faculty, post docs & researchers). The representative will assist with first contract campaigns and should have strong experience working in participatory collective bargaining campaigns. Candidates who demonstrate knowledge of federal science funding policy, Title IX, immigration and other legislative and policy issues concerning Higher Education are preferred.
The Higher Education Department is committed to the growth of higher ed unionization while supporting long-standing union members in the sector. The Department coordinates with other international unions and organizations to fight attacks on Higher Education and ensure our members are protected. Higher Ed representatives work closely with other UAW departments to support these goals, especially the legal, legislative, CAP, research, organizing, and education departments. The Department is based in the UAW President’s Office and works closely across the UAW International and Regions.
The positions will be based near where substantial concentrations of higher education workers live and work and will require extensive travel, including overnight stays out of town, daily driving, evening, and weekend work. The position reports to the UAW Higher Education Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Support democratic, worker-led organizing, including membership engagement and mobilization
- Support broad, diverse leadership development (internal and external organizing)
- Bargain first contracts (often requiring travel)
- Identify and develop political/community action plans
- Support development of strategic internal and external communications
- Design and conduct trainings
- Build capacity for direct action and strike readiness
- Manage data to support internal and external organizing
- Help set priorities and strategic goals of Local Unions, Regions, and the National Higher Education Department
- Track working conditions and best contract language at Universities throughout the U.S.
- Track and engage in state and federal legislative and policy changes that affect higher education
- Assist other staff representatives
- Coordinate with other UAW departments assisting the higher education membership
- Support the development and ongoing activities of a Higher Education Council within UAW
Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
- Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to support leaders of all backgrounds and experience levels in learning
- Broad and deep knowledge of and experience in organizing and representing workers in higher education
- Commitment and understanding of building a participatory and equitable union culture
- Strong analytical and independent problem-solving skills
- Support in leading participatory contract negotiations
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and demands
- Drafting and proofreading copy for internal and external dissemination
- Strong familiarity with contract language and bargaining patterns within one or more higher education job categories (faculty, staff, student workers, and/or postdocs and researchers)
- Computer skills necessary to support basic functions of Local and International Union and external organizing
- Thorough understanding of laws, standards related to public and private sector bargaining
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
- Four+ years’ experience in union organizing
- Applicants must be a UAW member in good standing
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or requirements associated with the role.
Salary and Benefits
The UAW offers a starting salary of $118,566.76 for this position, including health, retirement, and other benefits. Relocation may be available.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2026 only.
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following to [email protected]:
· A resume
· A letter of interest
· At least (3) professional references
Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience and training make you a good fit for this position.
The UAW is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that our collective strength is amplified when all voices are represented.
About Us
The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is a progressive, militant union with one of the largest and most diverse memberships in North America, representing 400,000 active members and 600,000 retirees. Our members are employed in a range of workplaces, from multinational corporations to small manufacturers, from state and local governments to colleges and universities, hospitals and private non-profit organizations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $118,566.76 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
